| Sunny Side Up Oct.6, 2004 �2004, Kathleen Gibson Thanksgiving for Prayer I'm ever so grateful for prayer; for the chance to lug my cares to a living, loving God. A gracious friend sent me this anonymously written prayer when I sorely needed it, with instructions to pass it on. I've adapted it substantially - I hope Anonymous doesn't mind! May it bless you as it has me: Lord, I'm grateful today for the fact that I can both see and hear. I'm blessed because you are a forgiving and understanding God. You've done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me today for all I've done, said, or thought that didn't please you. Let me start this day with a cheerful attitude and plenty of gratitude. Enlarge my spirit I can accept your word, your will, and your way for me. Clear my mind so I can hear from you. Expand my borders so I can be used by you. Protect me and alert me to danger and harm. Today, let me not whine and whimper over things I can't control. Help me to love the things you love; hate the things you hate. Break my heart with the things that break yours. Let me see sin through your eyes and acknowledge it as evil. Keep me from sinning, but when I do, make me quick to repent, confess, and receive your forgiveness. If the world closes in on me today; if I'm pushed beyond my limits, help me do as Jesus did - slip away and find a quiet place to pray. Help me remember that when I can't pray, you hear my heart. Bless me, Father, so I can bless others. Keep me strong so I can help the weak. Keep me uplifted so I'll have words of encouragement for others. Help those who are lost and can't find their way. Encourage those who are misjudged and misunderstood. Send aid to those who are fallen and can't get up. Show yourself to those who don't know you intimately. Lord, you who so loved the world that you gave your only begotten Son, Jesus, draw to yourself in repentance those who don't believe, that they may never have to endure eternal punishment for their sins. I thank you that your love drew me to you in acceptance and belief and that your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Thank you that I am promised an eternal home with you. Father, I believe that you change people and circumstances. For all my relatives and my Christian sisters and brothers here and around the world; for each and every family member in their households, I pray for peace, love and joy. Supply their spiritual, physical, and financial needs. Place a watch over their lives and homes, and guard them from danger. Thank you that no problem, circumstance, or situation is beyond your control. Every battle is in your hands, every outcome within your power to bring good from it. In Jesus' Name, Amen. You can respond to this column at [email protected] |
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