Monday Morning Offering - 224

Coffee in the Morning by George Mendoza

Good morning, good God!

I’m thinking of the week ahead, Lord,

and wondering what ups and downs

and twists and turns my path might take,

this last week in January...

What joys will bring a smile to my face,

and lift my heart and remind me once again

that you’re my God, that you are near,

that you hold me in your love?

Will I find that peace within that strengthens me

when the road is steep, my step’s unsure

and I fear I’ve lost my way to you?

When my chin droops upon my chest, Lord,

remind me of the joy of good times past

and lift my face to yours…

Let no grace or gift from you escape my notice, Lord:

open my eyes, my ears, my heart

to your presence and your peace,

all day, every day this week...

And I wonder:

what sorrow might come my way this week;

what worries weigh upon my mind?

what sadness cloud my sight, my trust, my hope?

If there comes a day or night, Lord, 

when I’m tempted to give up, to give in

to thoughts that threaten peace of mind and heart,

restore and strengthen all my trust in you…

If this wintery week takes me through a valley

dark in shadows cold,

shepherd me, Lord, and guide me

with your strong and outstretched arm

and hold me in the warmth of your embrace…

How many times this week, Lord, will you come to me

in the lives, the faces, the needs of those around me?

Will I recognize your face? 

Will I know it’s you who stands before me?

Will I tend and care for you in others

as I pray you tend and care for me through them?

Open my heart wide to your presence all around me:

make me generous in sharing

what I have and who I am

with my brothers and sisters, wherever I might meet them…

What changes will come this week, Lord?

What choices will I need to make

and how will those decisions change my day,

my week, this new year, my life?

What will surprise me this week, Lord?

What unexpected situations, twists and turns,

will sit me down or stand me on my head

as this new week unfolds?

Whatever comes my way, Lord,

remind me that there’s nothing you and I can’t handle together:

you close by my side with your grace and help and mercy…

I’m thinking of the week ahead and I’m wondering, Lord:

how often will you call me to prayer?

how often will I hear you?

how often will I accept your invitation?

Will I make a place and a time each day for us to meet,

just the two of us:

a time to sit together, to share the peace of silence

a time to speak from my heart’s cares 

and fears and hopes and depths?

a time for me to listen for the word you speak

to help me walk in faith the path that’s mine,

the way that leads to you?

I’m thinking of the week ahead, Lord, and hoping and praying 

I’ll be more faithful to you, more constant in my prayer, 

more generous in my giving,

more loving and forgiving in my words and in my deeds…

I’m thinking of the days ahead, Lord,

and praying that just as you’re with me right now

you’ll be with me each day and night

to see me through this week, day by day,

one day at a time…

Amen.

 

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