A Concord Pastor Comments: Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 12/13

12/12/16

Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 12/13

Every year around this time
I look for ways to reach out
to those who need some comfort,
who find the holidays to be a difficult time...

Perhaps you're one of those folks -
and whether you are or you aren't,
you know someone who is...

So let's pause and pray...

Lord,
the jolly jingle's all around -
but not in every heart...

Red and green are everywhere -
but some folks

just feel blue...

The rushing 'round to buy and wrap
disheartens
lonely souls...

Plans for Christmas eve
leave out
all those who'll be alone...

This merry month will be
for some
the hardest time of all...

Then, help me, Lord, I pray...

Help me hear
the tears that softly fall
as Christmas bells are ringing...

Let me see
the darkening shades of blue
that cloud a neighbor's joy...

Help me wrap my love
to give and share
with those who'll be alone...

On hearts that ache

and know the pain
this season often brings,

let your touch come
with grace to heal
with peace on Christmas day...

Amen.

If this prayer describes someone I know,
   how will I reach out to that person this Christmas?

If this prayer describes me,
   how will I respond to those who reach out to me?

Or perhaps I'm a person who needs to reach out to others
   while welcoming others' gracious gestures towards me...