Say a Little Prayer

I Say A Little Prayer

During the 1980’s I had the esteemed privilege to care for former Prisoners Of War or POWs while employed as a Nurse Practitioner at the VA Medical Center. I admired those POWs who represented less than 10 percent of my panel of 900 veterans. During my encounters with them I saw evidence of their bravery, humility, tolerance and gratitude. I listened as they shared their war stories. I examined their battle scars and assessed their intrinsic vulnerabilities. I found in them the highest form of resilience and perseverance. As we honor Senator John McCain, a former POW, whose life, sacrifices, contributions and legacy remind me of the former POWs in my care. McCain approached his terminal illness and poor prognosis like his military battles. Love for his family, friends, country and service dictated the course of his life. Like the former POWs in my care, John McCain charged into the battlefield of life each day to fulfill a greater mission, chart a more stable course, defend our freedoms and renew our hopes. He will be missed.

Although we are still recovering from the loss of Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, a mighty pillar, powerful spirit and a compelling witness! I imagine her greeting John with an inspirational song of praise and prayer profound enough to rock the heavens. Imagine hearing them sing this prayer. Imagine singing it with them in spirit.

“The moment I wake up. Before I put on my makeup I say a little prayer for you.”.

Imagine singing this prayer and praying for one another.

“I Say A Little Prayer”
The moment I wake up
Before I put on my makeup
I say a little prayer for you
While combing my hair now
And wondering what dress to wear now
I say a little prayer for you

Forever and ever, you’ll stay in my heart
And I will love you
Forever and ever, we never will part
Oh, how I love you
Together, forever, that’s how it must be
To live without you
Would only mean heartbreak for me

I run for the bus, dear
While riding I think of us, dear
I say a little prayer for you
At work I just take time
And all through my coffee break time
I say a little prayer for you

Writer(s): BACHARACH BURT F, DAVID HAL

Is It You O God?

God, it’s me, I need you. Please meet me. I’ll show up at 1:11 pm. by the tree.

A Prayer at 1:11 pm

In the morning when I rise I hear the birds sing, I see sunshine. I feel the dawn of a new day. Is it you O God?

Show your presence in the midst of today’s news. Gracious God where are you when leaders attempt to demean and demoralize your people?

Merciful God make your presence known when displaced children cry for their mother whose trauma is disorienting and unbearable. Almighty God show up in the bureaucratic swamp and rescue those who live in violent prone areas. Set the captives free, release the victims of mass incarceration.

Holy One, grant justice and free the spirit of natives and slave descendants who are still bound to a master. Creator God release new seeds, rain down cleansing water and a fresh anointing of your oil and daily bread. Fill us with your presence in every step, every space, every breath and every heart beat. Loving God, give us a new song that leaves a lasting impression.

May we be like trees, they stand firm against the winds and trying times. O God, settle us down so we may experience your loving presence. Lord hear our prayers.

We Glorify you and we pray without ceasing in our Savior’s Name. Amen

Are You Hot & Thirsty?

Lately, it has been so hot! Scorching temperatures, hot topics, heated conversations and shifting emotions. We look for relief in cool places. Still, we are hot and thirsty. We call on our Creator to fix it! Oh Lord, soothe our bodies and quench our thirst.

Let’s Park and Pray at 1:11 pm this pray by the Psalmist

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. Those who want to kill me will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.” Psalm‬ ‭63:1-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

http://bible.com/111/psa.63.1-11.niv