A Concord Pastor Comments: Monday Morning Offering: 4/1

Coffee in the Morning by George Mendoza

Good morning, good God!

Today, Lord, I offer you,
   I lift up to your loving heart:

- any who seek your healing
      while continuing to live with pain...

- any who turn to you in hope
      whose dreams have yet come true...

- any who seek your wisdom and counsel
while wandering in confusion...

- any who long for freedom
      when they find themselves locked in...

- any who seek your love and care,
who often feel forgotten...

- any who find in others' joy
an unintended mocking of their sorrow...

- any who reach for your embrace
but miss the warmth your arms provide...

All these I offer to your loving heart, Lord,
   and lift up for your gentle touch...

And if it's not the time for healing,
   then soothe them in their pain...

If the time's not come for what they dream
   help them trust you hold their every hope...

When they wander in the darkness, Lord,
   let one small star shine bright to light their way...

If they find themselves locked down, locked out,
   open wide their hearts to freedom's peace...

When they hunger for your love and care
   then nourish them as only you know how...

When the happiness of others taunts their souls,
   remind them of the joys they've known
and help them trust there's joy that's yet to come...

And if as springtime comes again
   they shiver for your warm embrace
      then find a way, another's arms, a budding branch
         to wrap them in your love...

When pain and disappointment,
   isolation and confusion, loneliness and sorrow,
keep anyone from finding
   the blessing of your touch, Lord,
then break through with your gentle strength
   until your grace has touched a soul
   and your touch has healed a heart...

Today, Lord, I offer you,
   I lift up to your loving mercy,
all those who need and want and seek
   your touch upon their hearts and minds and lives...

Amen.