A Concord Pastor Comments: Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 4/10

Got some things I need to let go of, Lord,
and I won't be surprised if these are the things
you'd most like to see me cut loose...

I need to let go some resentments, some spite,
some bitterness, grudges
and chips on my shoulder...

I need to let go some old habits:
some harmful, some risky,
some just plain stupid and foolish...

I need to let go my anger,
the rage I stew in
to no one's advantage...

I need to let go my self-pity, my pride,
and the envy that keeps me
from loving my neighbor...

I need to let go some idle thoughts,
not my hopes, my plans and my goals,
but my fantasy make-believe pipe dreams...

I might need to let go a relationship,
one I'm not meant to be of,
not healthy for me or the other...

I need to let go of the past
with its aches and worries
and memories that rob me of peace...

I need to let go my addictions:
to work or play, some substance or toy,
some guilty pleasure or whatever it is
that eats up my time and devours my soul
while starving my mind and my heart...

Got some things I need to let go of, Lord,
and I won't be surprised if these are the things
you'd most like to see me cut loose...

Lord,
when I cling to such things,
pry open my hands...

When I harbor what's hurtful,
free my soul of ill will...

When I hug what's harmful,
fill my arms with your healing...

When I'm holding on tight
to what's holding me back:
free me, release me, and set me free
of whatever it is I need to let go...

Give me grace, give me courage,
give me wisdom and strength,
as much as I need,
to let go of whatever I need to let go,
what I need to let go, Lord,
today...

Amen.