Author Archives: Rev. Cleo Graham

A Prayer Santa Clarita School

Posted on by

For healing and strength.

Lord Have Mercy! Have Mercy, O Lord!
When school bells stopped ringing
When voices are silenced by gunshots
When innocent lives are stolen,
When there’s terror and fear.
We need You O Lord! Trouble is near.
Lord Have Mercy!
O God, Who moves the hands of clocks,
Who jumpstarts and awakens a sluggish heart,
Who fills lungs with air and restores each breath.
Eternal God, with us in life and in times of death.
We park and pray at 1:11, for lives lost and broken families.
Lord Have Mercy!
Put away the weapons and remove the rage
Disarm those who harm and fail to protect,
Who lack humane dignity and respect,
Lord, we pray for those injured, in pain and suffering.

Daily….We Park and Pray at 1:11.

A Shining Star

Posted on by

The Rev. Dr. H. Daehler Hayes
Nov. 16, 1936 – Sept. 27, 2019

Dear God,

Like a candle that burns all day and night, Rev. Dr. Daehler Hayes’ memory is a beacon of hope that shines bright.

There’s so many stories about Pastor Daehler.

He made us laugh. He gave encouragement and warnings seasoned with Grace. Thank God, for Pastor Hayes, especially for all that he offered the people of Haiti.

Daehler often gave good advice and a lasting impression.

He was God’s Servant, our Friend, a Hero, Leader, Pastor, Shining Star and most of all a Blessing.

Merciful God, comfort his family, and all who grieve.

Thank you Almighty God for the promise of eternal peace.

In our Savior’s Name. Amen

An Interfaith Service of
Remembrance and Thanksgiving
October 26, 2019 at 11:00 am
Central Congregational Church UCC

Courageous

Posted on by
Courageous

O God, who will take his place? Who will take the place of one who was wrapped in courage?

Courage cannot be bought or sold

Outgoing friendly, socially confident

Understands issues and remedies

Reliable well grounded, dependable

Attitude feelings, moods are stable

Grateful family legacy, service, living

Empathetic to grassroots’ needs

Let us continue to park and pray.

Dear God, we park and pray giving thanks for Representative Elijah Cummings, his life, his gifts and all that he shared with so many of us. He showed himself as a man with a tremendous amount of courage despite having many hardships and obstacles. He will be sadly missed.

O God, who will take his place?

Send forth one who is willing to give time, talents and treasures.

One willing to work hard for You and in Your name.

One who loves to do justice, loves mercy and who loves to walk humbly with You, Almighty God.

We give thanks. We receive Your grace and mercy knowing Elijah’s work is done. His rest and eternal peace has begun. In Your Holy Name. Amen

A Melt Down!

Posted on by

“I think now we have to pray for his health,” Ms. Pelosi told reporters afterward. “This was a very serious meltdown on the part of the president.” She said Mr. Trump seemed “very shaken up” by the cascade of criticism.

Mr. Trump said it was the other way around. “Nancy Pelosi needs help fast!” he wrote on Twitter. “She had a total meltdown in the White House today. It was very sad to watch. Pray for her, she is a very sick person!”
(The N.Y. Times, 10/16/19)

Let Us Park and Pray at 1:11

Almighty God, America’s leaders are publicly asking us to pray for their adversary. It seems odd given their tense relationship.

A Call to Pray is an amazing request from our leaders. Surely, God, You inspired them. You’re up to something! It’s always good!

Loving God, we thank you for those leaders who are willing to receive the love, hope, peace and renewal that You offer.

Thank You for Leaders who are faithful and forgiving. Leaders who exercise humility, possess integrity, honor, civility and love for You, our country and humanity.

Merciful God we pray for healing for those who struggle with their ethical, moral, impulsive decisions and behaviors.

We pray for our leaders whose decisions seriously impact lives in detrimental ways.

We pray for those who have meltdowns and who refuse to enter into the places where God may guide them.

Lord, God we pray for our country’s leaders, especially those who occupy the highest offices in our nation. Help them to be truthful and transparent.

Great God, help us make America great for all people. May all recognize Your undeniable power to answer all prayers as we pray:

Our Father who art in heaven. Hallow be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sinned against us. Lead us not into temptation. Deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen

Not Again!

Posted on by

O Lord not again!
Not again!
Not Again!

It’s hard to comprehend
Seems impossible to defend
A call, a response and an innocent life ends?

Again?
Oh Lord not again!
why!
When no one provokes or ignites!
No one defends or fights!
No one is armed or threatens to harm.

But, Lord again and again!
An unarmed innocent life ends.
It keeps happening over again!

O Lord not again!
Not again!
We need You
To Protect and Defend
Children and innocent victims
Without You there is no end

O Lord not again!
Not again!
Not again, Lord,
Please Lord not again. Amen.

The Bus Stop

Posted on by

Psalm 121:8

What if you’re on your way to an unfamiliar destination. Maybe you’re fearful about getting lost, being alone and abandoned.

Do you feel like you are under watchful eyes?

The Psalmist reminds us:

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalms 121:8

Prayer is a way to acknowledge and accept the Lord’s help.

There are many ways to Park and Pray. You may find yourself parked or sitting on a bench at a bus stop. Maybe you’re willing to stop wherever you may be at 1:11 pm.

At the bus stop you see bystanders, strangers and an onslaught of traffic racing around a rotary. You hear a melody of horns, tires screeching, babies crying and a host of multilingual conversations. You are distracted and confused by the commotion. Your peace of mind diminishes.

Yet, Spirit calls you to mindfully withdraw from the crowds and enter into a sacred space where God waits for you.

You lift up your eyes to the hills and you ask, “Where will my help come?” You are reminded that your help comes from the Lord. (Ps121:1)

So, you to embrace the Light and you feel the presence of the Divine. It’s as if a breeze gently touches and guides you. Feel the raindrops extinguish your doubts and shower you with calmness.

You’re on your way and you’re not alone.

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalms 121:8

Let’s Park and Pray

Almighty God, thank you for waiting and watching over me.

Thank you for awakening me to your presence and for walking with me.

Forgive me for doubting your presence and your promises to love me and never leave me.

Lord, strengthen my faith and renew my hope. Help me to discern your voice, your messages and your will.

Holy Spirit inspire me with passion and patience to prayerfully watch, wait and walk with You always.

Holy one, may I always know your presence, especially when I am lost, feeling hopeless and abandoned at the crowded bus stops in our lives.

Receive my prayer in the powerful name of my Savior. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friends, no matter where you are along life’s journey join us in spirit. Park and Pray at 1:11 pm with us.

Check the menu tab for your name on the prayer list and for additional prayers.

A Fresh Start

Posted on by

Dear God,

As we prepare for a new school year, may it be a fresh start for all.

We give you thanks for those who have the gifts to teach, preach, reach out, encourage and grow leaders.

We pray for all children, students, teachers, administrators and all who promote and support the learning experience. Keep us safe and bless us with your Peace daily.

We praise you Almighty God, for in the midst of fear and brokenness there is the Light of your presence shining on and through us.

Give us eyes to see your work, ears to hear your still speaking voice, hands and feet to spread your Love, Joy and Peace.

Give us each day our daily bread as a fresh start and renewed strength for our journey.

Receive our prayers O God in our Savior’s name. Amen 🙏🏾.

Drawing by Adelya who hears through her eyes, hands and heart.

Praying the Psalms with Maren