Pause for Prayer: THURSDAY 7/278

Lord,

There are lots of reasons to want to go on vacation:
to get away from work, from the busyness,
from the day to day and the familiar...

I look forward to all of that
but I'd like a vacation from other things, too,
and I wouldn't have to travel an inch
for a vacation like this...

I'd like a vacation from bad news, Lord,
especially reports of war and violence,
conflict and terrorism
and the tragic news of innocents suffering...

I'd like a vacation from politics' vapid rhetoric,
all the empty promises, false hopes
and downright lies...

I'd like a vacation from the minutia,
the details, the craziness and foolishness
that rob me of my time for
thinking, musing, imagining,
reflecting, praying and spending time
with people I love to spend time with...

I'd like a vacation from anything and everything
that keeps from spending time with you, Lord,
from growing closer to you, learning more about you,
being faithful to you...

I'd like a vacation from stuff that means nothing
but fills up my day nonetheless
with worry and fear and distraction...

I'd like a vacation from my self-importance,
my self-pity, my self-indulgence,
my selfishness,  my self-interest
and my self-deception...

I'd like a vacation, Lord, where I might let go
what burdens and shackles me
what confuses and stymies me,
what obstructs and foils me...

I'd like to vacation with you as companion,
your word as my guide book,
your wisdom my map
and your love my refreshment...

I don't have to go far away
to take a vacation like this, Lord,
so help me make the time and find a place,
right where I am,
to vacation with you this summer,
in a place where I might find peace...

Amen.




 

     
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