Praying Always

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Praying Always

 Oh God, our Heavenly Father, have mercy on our land of the U. S., and mercy on the lands of the world. 
May the governments of all the lands of Earth seek to rule in fairness and justice for all. 

I offer my repentance for my acts or thoughts against Almighty God, and as an intercessor, beg repentance for all the governments on Earth, that we all may be cured of “our warring madness”, our incivility and hate and anger, our stubbornness and love of controlling power. 


Oh God, Maker and Ruler of Heaven and Earth, remember the cries of hurting people everywhere.  Save us from our arrogance and unhumility and selfishness.  Deliver us from our oppressors.  Help us to stand strong amidst even the most dire circumstances.

I offer my repentance for my acts or thoughts against Almighty God, and as an intercessor, beg repentance for all the people everywhere: That we may not accept a “victim mentality”, but trust in God to empower us  honestly and bravely, not blaming others for our plight, so that we may walk in “newness of life” and “reverence for life”.


Oh God, Lord of the Universe, so “high and lifted up that his train [presence and authority] fills the temple, yet you stoop low enough to pick us up and guide us on The Way.  We don’t deserve your Indescribable Love or Unfailing Mercies.  But you give them to every one of us.

I offer my repentance for my acts or thoughts against Almighty God, and as an intercessor, beg repentance for all the people whose hearts would falter unless you stooped low and nourished us with Yourself. 


Oh God, Most Blessed, thank you that we are privileged to “pray without ceasing”.  We praise you that you hear our prayers (yes, even in all the many ways there are of praying.  Thank you, Lord.  In the name of Jesus, the Christ (Messiah), Amen.


“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth…

I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting.”
(I Tim 2:1-4, 8 KJV)



This post is also shared with "Seedlings in Stone" and "Playdates with God"

Isolation

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 (photos of ceramic donkey, isolated from their backgrounds)


ISOLATION

Oh, give thanks to the Lord for an isolated life.
Quiet rooms, space to move about inside
When I’m not much for going outside.
Eat when I wish to, not by the clock.
Eat what I’m allowed to, not what others would serve.
Sleep in, of a morning, if I need to.
Not much exposure to other people’s germs.  (hurray!)
Not forced to listen to disparaging prattle
That comes from the lips of  “some people”.
No keeping up with the Joneses,
No coping with a cranky boss or a long commute.
I can tell what day of the week and date it is,
By the computer clock, or the evening paper.
Few appointments equal lowered stress.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord that I have the luxury
Of filtering out the unnecessary distractions
That clutter many others’ life-pictures.
More time to focus on the main object(s),
Things that matter a lot:
Prayer, and praising God with thanksgiving.
A quiet nook and good books to read.
Not determined to set 10-year-big-accomplishment list,
Or show off a high-profile style.

Weakness and weariness, yes, that I have to put up with.
Pain, too much of it, all the time, all the way,
Surely wasn’t my idea to bring happiness!
Missing church too often,
Missing friends just as often,
Missing stimulation of being out and about
Where there are colors, and smiles, and bustling activity
And creative designs and important speeches and such.
There are a lot of things I could be unthankful about!
But it’s healthier for me to tune out the importance
Of things I can’t do.
And to choose to rejoice that there are still
A few simple activities I can do.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord for an isolated life.
“He who began a good work in me will finish it…”
And for that, I will praise him always.

© 2012 by Marilee Miller


This post is shared with L. L. Barkat and Laura Boggess

 






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