God Hears, Sees, and Remembers You*

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

Dear Beloved Community, Thank you for parking and praying at 1:11 pm with us.
🙏🏾 for God’s healing and peace in the new year.>>>

Beloved, I hope you know prayer can warm frosted hands and make a cold heart melt. Prayer reminds us we’re not alone. Let’s Park and Pray at 1:11 pm.


God, thank you for warming our thoughts with renewed hope.
Give us eyes to see in ourselves what You hope for us.
Kindle the fires that ignite our dreams.
Extinguish the torches that kill our faith.
Help us to find meaning, direction and purpose in the New Year star before each one of us.
Oh that you hold us and balance us in Your Holy Hands. Our hands are like the stars. Five fingers stretching, reaching , touching, balancing, holding, and carrying light in the midst of darkness. Giving and sharing the gifts of God through prayer. To be Blessed & a Blessing. Amen
***
Cornelius stared at the angel. He became afraid and said, “What do you want, Lord?” The angel said, “God has heard your prayers. God has seen that you give to the poor, and God remembers you. Acts 10:2 NCV

Nay’s Wisdom

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

Nay Says, “We All Win!”
We do and don’t get to decide
which part of a genius
to uphold and celebrate with pride.

The beauty of art and all its glory,
if one takes the jolted ride,
is that “it’s all good.”
Every intimate and infinite story.

The sum of one’s parts
is not greater than, or lesser;
Then…
Celebrate every blessed thing!
No matter the reason, form, or fashion.

Take what wills you
to your own greatness.
The Godly message –
“We all win.”
When intentions, pure
emanate from the heart.

Every active mind and spirit’s candle
ignites what one’s backbone
and spine can handle.

Wisdom breathes below, on, above,
and well above the line.
Faith lives below, on, above,
and well beyond all of time.

Love,
Nay

Nay is a prolific inspirational writer, teacher, and author of several books for all generations. Nay’s writings will be periodically featured in Park and Pray at 1:11.

Check out her books. Each one is filled with amazing stories.

       
 
 
VISIT MONKEYVIRAL.COM for the LATEST NEWS!

Jesus is Risen!

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

God, your love broke through death’s dark tomb and opened the path for Jesus’ resurrection. Praise God! Jesus is Risen!

Almighty God, open wide the doors of your people’s hearts to receive the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Praise God! Jesus is Risen!

We remember the life-giving words and ways of Jesus Christ, Savior, Redeemer, Healer, and Deliverer. Hear our Easter prayers. Calm our deepest fears, and dry our grief stricken tears.

Merciful God, mend our broken lives. Heal all manner of diseases, especially sickness due to the Covid-19. Help us to live into a new normal. God, we are eager to please you and grateful for the many ways you are present.

God, we thank and praise you. May the power of your love rise within us. We park and pray at 1:11 and celebrate, Jesus is risen! We shall rise too! In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Let It Begin With Me

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama is a place where I found this peace sign. Our prayers this month will focus on peace in our lives, our homes, our communities and in our world.

Park and Pray at 1:11 pm

Holy One, thank you for “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” I pray that I may have an appreciation of the peace that you offer me. Bless me with an awareness of your peace so that I may receive it and share it with others. Guard my heart and my mind in Christ, the Prince of Peace.

The Hands of Women

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

Dear Friends,

I thought you might like this interesting quote:

“The destiny of nations lies far more in the hands of women—the mothers—than in the hands of those who possess power. We must cultivate women, who are educators of the human race, else a new generation cannot accomplish its task.” – Froebel

What are your thoughts?

Let us Park and Pray at 1:11 pm.

Holy Mother of all living beings, thank you for Your Mighty hands that stretch beyond our imagination. You embrace the universe, touching stars and hugging our lives. Holy One, you help us imagine ourselves as an extension of your hands, heart, feet and spirit in our nation. Love Divine, inspire us to unite, love and share your bountiful blessings around the world. Empower us to be steadfast, to persevere and to resist the forces of evil. May we glorify you O God far greater than we praise ourselves. Merciful God, receive our prayers. In your Holy name. Amen

Overcoming Evil

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

I stepped on a thorn and I screamed, “ouch!” Then, I said, “I hate you!”

I crushed beautiful flowers and I said nothing. Yet, some of us have reacted the

same way in our relationships.

A bruised word, an evil thought, evil ways and deeds.

Sometimes it seems hard to overcome evil. But, we can overcome evil.

Evil is unlike the sweet aroma emanating from these beautiful flowers.

Evil stinks!

Sometimes it’s hidden but it never goes undetected.

It seems to be everywhere ! But, it is not.

There is a remedy.

Let’s seek Divine wisdom:

Almighty, Merciful and Wise Spirit, thank you for the gift of your presence.

Lately, evil seems so pervasive in our society.

It’s heartbreaking to mourn the loss of innocent lives who are hated for the image you created them.

It’s hard to understand massacres like the Tree of Life Synagogue and other places of worship where people gather to pray.

It seems difficult to overcome evil.

Yet, many of us are inspired by your word and your ways. You give us guidance and solace in the midst of our pain.

When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask you for daily bread, physical and spiritual food to fulfill our needs. We ask you to “Forgive us our trespasses (sins).” We pray, “Deliver us from evil.”

You remind us and equip us to “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” Micah 6:8

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:12

We pray for the victims. We seek ways to comfort our wounds.

Help us pray for the thorns in our lives?

Help us pray for those who crush flowers?

We are called,

To do good. Simply do good.

Help us Almighty One

To be good. To be profoundly good.

Love Supreme, you are good! All the time!

Help us to answer your call.

We prayer in our Savior’s name. Amen.

Power in Peace

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

Park and Pray at 1:11 pm

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭‬‬

Almighty God, as each day begins, help me to be aware that there is power in the peace that you give me. Help me to hold onto this power and peace. Merciful God, help me to resist any temptation, apathy or tendency, that may cause me to relinquish it. O God, I call you at 1:11 pm and I prayerfully look to you to renew my power, refresh, restore and maintain my peace and my neighbor’s peace. At the end of the day, may I rest and sleep in peace and gratitude for the gift of power and contentment in Your Holy presence. In my Savior’s name. Amen.

Say a Little Prayer

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

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

It’s 1:11 p.m! Where Are You?

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

It’s 1:11 p.m! Where are you praying?

It was a sunny day when I parked under this tree to pray at 1:11 p.m. Here’s what happened.

After praying I looked down and the ground was covered with blackberries!

I looked up at the trees above my head and I snatched a handful of this sweet fruit.

I looked up at the trees above my head and I snatched a handful of this sweet fruit.

I stayed under the covering of these beautiful trees and I enjoyed these gifts.

I embraced the sunlight that pierced through the branches. I stayed and prayed.

Lord, I give thanks with a grateful heart for our time together. Thank you for your grace. Your blessings are unconditional and your love is boundless. Your Fruits of the Spirit nourishes the body, mind and spirit. Lord help your spiritually malnourished children receive you and use your food according to your will. Bless all with a constant flow of compassion for all your children. May serving you with passion be our first and last meal of each day.

Parking and Praying at 1:11 p.m. in our Savior’s name. Amen

Reverent Submission

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

img_1413-1Friends, I am convinced that when we park and pray at 1:11 pm we engage in reverent submission. When we practice reverent submission we release our hands and our hold on our lives. We surrender our will and allow space for God’s will to manifest in our lives.

When we say the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” What is God’s will for us and for our situations? We often believe our will is not satisfied when God’s will, different from our will, prevails.

Friends, trust God to hear your fervent prayers and petitions. Depend on God to do whatever is best in your life. Pray, asking in Christ’s name. Just as Jesus’ prayers were heard you will be heard because of your reverent submission.

Prayer

Dear God, we long to do your will. Thank you for teaching us how to pray through lessons on Jesus’ prayer life. Help us to release our will, which holds us back from discerning your will. May the righteous desires of our hearts be fulfilled. In Christ name, we pray. Amen.