NIGHT PRAYER: WEDNESDAY 7/8

Sometimes, while searching my archives, I come across a prayer that I can't remember writing! Tonight's post is an example of this.  As usual, though, I've done more work on it and it's now considerably longer than it was some years ago...

 

Lord,

    at just about every moment 

        of every day and every night...

             - I get to choose...

I get to choose

    between good and evil... 

 

I get to choose

    between right and wrong...

 

I get to choose

    between your word and my mine...

 

I get to choose

    between lies and the truth...

 

I get to choose 

    between prejudice and impartiality... 

 

I get to choose

    between willfulness and docility...

 

I get to choose

    between speaking up and keeping silent...

 

I get to choose

    between justice and unfairness...

 

I get to choose

    between sitting in sadness

        and rising to joy...

 

I get to choose

   between my neighbor's needs and my own...

 

I get to choose

    between my will, Lord, and yours...

 

I get to choose

    between integrity and deceit... 

 

I get to choose

    between pride and humility...

 

I get to choose

    between persevering and giving in... 

 

I get to choose

    between keep my mind open

        or closing it shut...

 

I get to choose

    between playing fair and cheating...

 

I get to choose

    between getting up 

        and going back to sleep... 

 

I get to choose 

    between forgiveness and retribution... 

 

I get to choose

   between foolishness and prudence...

I get to choose

    between moving ahead,

        falling behind

            and standing idle... 

 

I get to choose

    between sacrifice and self-interest...

  

I get to choose

    between reaching out and pulling back...

 

I get to choose

    to be part of the problem 

        or part of the solution...

 

I get to choose 

    between letting go and holding on... 

 

I get to choose

    between time for prayer and reflection

        or more time on a screen... 

 

I get to choose

    between paying attention and zoning out...

 

I get to choose

    between love and hate...

 

I get to choose 

    between the high road,

        the low road, 

            and the short cut...  

 

I get to choose

    between mercy and revenge...

 

I get to choose

    between isolating

        or seeking the company of others... 

 

I get to choose

    to be selfish or selfless...

 

I get to choose

    between the real and the fake...

 

I get to choose

    to be careful or careless...

 

I get to choose

    between doubt and faith... 

I get to choose

    between keeping things for myself

        or sharing freely and generously.. 

 

I get to choose

    to help or to hinder...

 

I get to choose

    to invite or exclude...

 

I get to choose

    between grace and sin...

 

I get to choose

    between enduring and giving up...

 

I get to choose, Lord - a lot -

    and I have choices to make

        every day and every night... 

 

Help me choose always wisely,

    out of love for you and my neighbor...

 

Help me to choose as you'd choose, Lord

    help me to choose 

        mercy and peace,

        kindness and truth,

        life and love 

        - and always, you! 

                    

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

    and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

    and asleep, rest in your peace...

 

Amen.

 

Tonight's song is based on Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and God's charge to his people, "I set before you life and good, death and evil... Choose life!" 

 

Choose Life by Big Tent Revival

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

 

 

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