NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 5/11

You were there today, Lord,

    when I was sitting with my spiritual director 

        in his backyard garden and I became aware

            - that we weren't alone!

 

I knew you were there, Lord,

    just as I hoped and prayed you would be,

but then my eye caught Tom,

    shading himself from the afternoon sun...

 

 

and listening in to the particulars

    of the ups and downs and the sorrows and joys

        of my personal spiritual life!

However, it soon became clear to me

    that Tom didn't give a hoot (or a gobble!)

for how I'm faithful to prayer - or not -

       or my relationship with you...

And even if he was faking it

    and taking in every word, I figured 

he only talks turkey with turkeys -

    no worry in that for me!

So I didn't even lower my voice!

I just kept sharing with Dick

    all the blessings, gifts and joys I know

on this fine spring day, in my 76th year

    in the 50th year of a way of life

        that has been my work, my peace and my joy...

But then on the way home 

    I was thinking, Lord:

        what a turkey I can be,

        what a turkey I have been,

        what a turkey I'll probably be again, 

            in the days and years to come!

 

And that thought made me grateful, Lord,

    for another blessing that's mine:

the mercy you've shown me, again and again

    as I flap and flail like a gawky turkey

        when you call me to soar like eagle;

    as I strut my ego and swagger with pride

        when I need to bend low and bow down;

    as I gobble loudly and squawk and yelp

        when I could be quiet and listen and pray...

 

Tom, the turkey's my brother, Lord

    and he came today to pray with me!

He was quiet and kept to himself,

    seeking only some rest in the shade

and without a whisper, gobble or word 

    he taught me a lesson in grace..

     

Sometimes I'm a turkey, too,

but more than that - your servant, Lord:

    beloved, forgiven healed and blessed,

    embraced by your tender mercy,

    this sunny, springtime afternoon...

       

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.

 

Here's Tom in action - songs below!

 

 

 

Well, what kind of music were you expecting tonight?

Two options:

    1) all about (not) being a turkey!

    2) all about giving thanks!

 

If videos don't appear below, click here!

 

Don't Be A Turkey! by Jim Wideman

 

Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Be thankful in your heart for everything

Ten men with diseases
Came one day to Jesus
He healed them and then told them
Go to the priest and show them
All ten walked away
But only one came back to say
Oh thank You, thank You, thank You Lord Jesus

Many people still today
Don’t remember what to say
When Jesus answers prayer
And shows us how much He cares
So every single day
Don’t you forget to say
Oh thank You, thank You, thank You Lord Jesus

Be thankful in your heart for everything
Be thankful in your heart for everything

 

I Want To Thank You, Lord by Moses Hogan

 

 

 

I want to thank you, Lord, for all you've done
I want to thank you, Lord, for the times of trouble
Thank you, Lord, for protecting me
Thank you Jesus, oh, for what you've done for me!

You were my friend when I had no friends
Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me
I know on you I can depend
Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me

You’ve been my mother and father, too
Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me
You’ve been my sister and brother too
Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me

I want to thank you, Lord, for all you've done
I want to thank you, Lord, for the times of trouble
Thank you, Lord, for protecting me
Thank you Jesus, oh, for what you've done for me!
Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!
Thank you Jesus!
Hallelujah thank you Lord for what you done for me!

 

  

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