Image: George Mendoza
Good morning, good God!
What a week it's been, Lord!
My path has crossed so many others' paths
and the routes have been many:
through my work, through prayer,
through sickness and death,
through good times and bad,
through joys and disappointments...
through meeting newcomers
and bidding farewell to old friends...
I offer you all the moments of meeting
in the week just past, Lord,
and most of all I offer you the hearts and hopes
of those whose steps came close to mine...
I offer you the tears of loss I saw,
damp upon cheeks of grief...
I offer you the smiles of faith
on parents bringing their children to the font...
I offer you the small steps forward
taken by some who are afraid to move ahead...
I offer you the anger of those who have been hurt,
left out and let down...
I offer you the new resolve bold in the hearts
of those picking themselves up, dusting themselves off...
I offer you the gratitude of those who have worked hard
to learn, to grow, to become again the selves they knew...
I offer you the Spirit's nudge in my own heart on Friday
and pray for the grace to be faithful to it...
I offer you those who asked me for help I could not give
and pray you'll help me find a way to assist them...
I offer you those whose hearts are bound
to hearts far away or in harm's way...
I offer you the moments of grace I saw and seized
and the moments I missed or messed up...
I offer you the many ways you showed me your face,
took me by the hand, walked by my side,
asked for my help, listened to my prayer,
lifted me up, settled me down,
calmed my fears, strengthened my will,
and held me in the palm of your hand...
Now I offer you this day, Lord,
the new day, the new week before me...
Cross my path in the lives of all I know and meet
and shade my path with the Cross of your love...
Amen.
-ConcordPastor
I offer you those who asked me for help I could not give and pray you'll help me find a way to assist them... that's a tough one is'nt it?
ReplyDeleteI offer you the small steps forward
ReplyDeletetaken by some who are afraid to move ahead.
Feels like this prayer is meant for me. I know it's meant for many, but I find hope in the words.
Thank you. The prayer in it's entirety is beautiful. So many words of wisdom for those who are hidden behind heavy hearts.
The lines Concord Carpenter cites struck me as well. I have been hoping that you are just very busy and haven't been able to reply yet to my request for your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI loved this Monday morning prayer. Excellent way to start the week. Thanks. Pastor
ReplyDeleteThank you for crossing my path and giving me such a thoughtful Monday Morning Prayer once again.
ReplyDeleteI hope the busy week to come provides you with many moments of peace and joy.
I still refer to this. Bits about the small steps, the Spirit's nudge, the moments of grace... all touch a chord. Thanks.
ReplyDelete