Please join me in a virtual 🙏🏾 at 1:11 for the Natives ♥️
A Prayer About Prayer
A Prayer about Prayer
Gracious Love,
in whom we live and move and have our being,Teach us how to pray as you would have us pray:
bring to mind what you would have us remember, and
give us the words to pray for what is needed.Help us to feel your presence which is always with us.
Help us to trust that the words we use to offer our gratitudes and concerns are adequate,
and help us to trust that if we have no words,
and can only offer groans, or silence, or smiles
that your Spirit lifts these to you in all of their fulness.Help us to trust that we feel called to pray, so that
we can tell you what is in our hearts and minds; and,
help us to trust that you also call us to pray so that
your Spirit moving within us
helps us to see as you see; to love as you love;
giving us the words to say what needs to be made real for the good of all.Help us to trust that we are not the only one offering the prayers that are needed this day.
Help us to feel the presence of others in this room and across this land
who are also praying. Lifting up gratitudes; lifting up concerns.
Help us to feel our connection as part of the whole – so much larger than each of us alone.Help us to trust that even before we began to pray,
you are already fully present seeking to make real
the responses that are needed to all the prayers we offer.Grant us this day that our prayers are worthy of your goodness and your generosity.
That we have prayed big enough; that no one and nothing has been left out.Grant us this day whatever we need to be able to live the lives that are the responses to our prayers.
Gracious one, we are grateful to you that we are not the first ones, nor the only ones, praying today.
We come before you as inheritors of a long tradition.
Over so many centuries, in so many languages, in so many ways,
people gather in community to pray.
In particular, we here today recall how many times, and in how many places,
people have gathered and shared with one voice
the prayer that Jesus teaches his followers to say …Our Brother’s Prayer
Holy One, Holy Three
In whom we are one,Fill our world with your wonder.
May the loving right-relations that you eternally are,
Be how we are here on earth.May all living beings receive from their labour
All that is needed for the wellbeing of all.Forgive us the harm our ideas and actions do,
As we receive healing from those wounded by
our stories, our laws, and our commerce.Save us from trials that overwhelm,
And let us not be tricked into believing lies.For the power and the glory of the kin_ship of all living things
Abide in you, now and for ever.May it be so.
—————-
Permission is granted for non-profit use of these materials.
Please credit the source as, “David Ewart, http://www.davidewart.ca, August 22, 2023”.
PRAYER – Langston Hughes
Prayer by Langston Hughes
Gather up
In the arms of your pity
The sick, the depraved,
The desperate, the tired,
All the scum
Of our weary cityGather up
In the arms of your pity.
Gather up
In the arms of your love—
Those who expect
No love from above.
Park and Pray at 1:11 pm 🙏🏾🙏🏼
What If?
The end of School Sponsored Prayer in Public School
Fifty years ago, on June 25, 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court declared school-sponsored prayers unconstitutional in the landmark case Engel v. Vitale. The Court prohibited the recitation of a school-sponsored prayer in public schools ending the Regents Prayer because it was recommended by the State Board of Regents.
“What if we will, then God will.” This is an amazing agreement that calls us to make a decision.
God invites us to ask in prayer and God inspires us to expect an answer. Perhaps prayer in public schools did not totally end. Some students organized their own prayer groups and they continued to pray. Let’s Park and Pray at 1:11 pm every Monday and pray the Regents Prayer below. Let us end our prayers with, “Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayers!”
What if, we pray in these words and we repeat it until the prayer becomes a part of our being. It becomes a prayer that rings like a clarion call. What if God answers us? Let us pray and see.
Almighty God, we recognize our dependence upon You. We beg for Your blessings upon me, us, our parents, siblings, family, friends, neighbors, teachers, strangers, our Houses of Worship, our Country, nations and all who are in need. In our Savior’s Name , Amen.
Makes Me Holler!
Oh Lord, my heart is aching!
I can hardly catch my breath!
I’m speechless and shivering!
Makes me holler!
Can you hear me?
Makes me holler!
Cry and throw up both my hands!
But, hands are for praying.
Knees are for surrendering.
Heads are for bowing down.
Hearts are for humble adoration.
Ears are for listening to whispers in between our tears.
It’s so hard to be silent today.
I want to holler all day long!
But, I must park. I must pray to the Almighty.
I need you to join me.
Let’s park and pray at 1:11 pm everyday.
Pray ahead of the storms.
Pray before trouble and pray before evil is born.
Pray in the midst of heartaches and pray after it’s gone.
Let’s Pray, My God, have mercy on me, and on them.
Have mercy! Oh God, please have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on all of us.
My Lord, please save the children!
Protect them from harm and from death!
Create in us a clean heart. A renewed spirit.
Deliver us from evil. Heal our sorrow.
Comfort the pain of trauma
My Lord, please save the children!
Protect them from harm and from death!
Watch over them all day and all night.
Keep them in Your loving sight. Amen.
Ashes & Dust
As we begin the Lenten Season…
let us begin with prayer:
O Holy and Great God lead us through the wilderness as you led Moses and the Hebrew people. Let us use this time wisely to repent, reflect and recharge. Lead us in your righteousness and help us to make room in our lives for for Jesus. Amen
Rev. Barbara Smith
God Hears, Sees, and Remembers You*
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
What Did Rosa Parks Pray?
Happy Birthday, Rosa Parks!
(We light a candle. We parked and prayed at 1:11 pm on Feb. 4)
Dear Lord,
“I felt YOU would give me
the strength to endure
whatever I had to face.
God, YOU did away with all my fear…”
“It was time for someone to stand up-or,
in my case, sit down.
I refused to move.”
Lord, I thank YOU for
“The church was and is the foundation of our community.
It became our strength, our refuge, and our haven.”
“We would pray, sing and meet in church.
We would use Scriptures, testimonies, and hymns
to strengthen us against the hatred and
violence going on around us.”
GOD, I thank YOU for
“Quiet Strength: The Faith, the Hope, and
the Heart of a Woman Who Changed a Nation,”
written by Rosa Parks with her Attorney Gregory J. Reed,
(This prayer is based on Rosa Parks’ quotes in her book).
During February, Carter G. Woodson sought to honor and also recognize Black Americans’ history and contributions.
Langston Hughes Prayer at 1:11
During Black History month 2021, we share the prayers of notable Black Americans born during February.
Happy Birthday, Langston Hughes! Feb. 1st
(We light a candle and pray your prayer at 1:11 pm)
Prayer
by Langston Hughes
Gather up
In the arms of your pity
The sick, the depraved,
The desperate, the tired,
All the scum
Of our weary city
Gather up
In the arms of your pity.
Gather up
In the arms of your love—
Those who expect
No love from above.
Amen.
During February, Carter G. Woodson sought to honor and also recognize Black Americans’ history and contributions.
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AT 1:11
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AT 1:11
Dear loved ones, I thank God for you. I offer these prayers for us.
Holy God, we give thanks for this bountiful blessing.
We give thanks for your presence and love.
We remember all who are missing from our table.
We give thanks for their lives.
We ask for Your blessings on this meal, our lives and time.
May your favor be upon us.
May your glorious power be made known to us. May our relationship with You and others prosper.
In our Savior’s Name, we pray. Amen.
HOW GREAT THOU ART!
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR ALL
How Great Thou Art!
O Lord, My God! How Great Thou Art!
O Lord How Excellent! How Great Thou Art!
We enter this time of prayer thankful to be in your presence.
We come with praise, thanksgiving and concerns.
We come knowing you are not confined to a building.
You are not held still between brick and mortar.
God Almighty, You are everywhere.
How Great Thou Art!
Great God, hear our prayers:
For our families, friends, neighbors, strangers, foes and creatures.
For those who are near and far.
For all who are struggling with sickness and disease.
We pray for all who struggle to survive.
We pray for all who are grieving for those who have died.
Death causes many of us to pause and reflect on our own mortality.
O God, How Great Thou Art! Hear our prayers.
For all who feel the pain of grief and loss of freedom, essentials, and more.
For all who sacrifice their lives to defend and protect us.
For all who misunderstand the effect of invisible pathogens that are physical and spiritual disruptions.
For all our leaders , especially those who govern our nation.
We pray their decisions come from Your Holy wisdom inspired through prayer and discernment.
O God, How Great Thou Art!
Almighty God, hear our prayers.
We stop in silence to hear Your message for us.
Great God, be that spiritual mask that clings to us and protects us.
O God, You are our protective armor and shield from invisible harm.
O Lord, My God! How Great Thou Art! We Pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving
By Rev. Cleo Graham
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Before we turn the page let’s park and pray at 1:11 for Ahmaud
God, You who formed his inward parts; You, Almighty God knitted him together in his mother’s womb. We praise you, for he was fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works.” Psalm 139:13-14.
Dear God, your eyes beheld his unformed substance. In Your Book were written all the days that were formed for him. A precious gem, a work in progress and a life that tragically ended.
Merciful God, comfort his family, friends, community and world, shaken and awakened again by the stench of evil. Hear our prayers.
Almighty Healer, search all who are wicked. Give them a clean heart, a renewed spirit, and a mind that rejects evil and delights in goodness.
May the Light of your Holy presence be our Guardian and Protector. Thank You for promising to love us, give us grace and eternal peace.
Lord, hear our prayers. ICN, Amen
Jesus is Risen!
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.
Are You Parked?
Are you PARKED?
Let us park and pray at 1:11 pm.
Almighty God, we are parked in our homes, away from businesses, schools, churches, merchants, family, friends and foes. We are parked and now we pray.
Lord, we call on you to help us. We need your supernatural power to overcome the Coronavirus and it’s impact in our world.
Your Holy power is greater than any strength we can ever imagine.
Merciful God, increase our ability and stamina to withstand the risks of sickness and sorrow.
I lift up my eyes to the hills from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord. Ps 121:1
Our eyes are upon you, O God. Here our prayers and have mercy on us, we pray.
Almighty God, speak peace, calm the raging seas within and around us. We are parked in shelters, institutions and communities. 
Lord, arrest the forces of this horrific virus. Bend stubborn attitudes, disingenuous behaviors and injustices that threatens to interfere with medical care.
We are your people. We hear your call. We are parked and we pray.
Loving God, we look up to you for our help and strength. We depend on You. Holy Mother comfort and feed us. Holy Father protect us from harm. 
Holy One, breathe on us.
Unite us as your children.
Answer our prayers.
You have our attention.
Give us Your Grace, Peace, Healing, Love and more.
Have Mercy on us. Lord, we are parked now and we are praying now at 1:11, morning, noon and night. We cry ABBA! Hear our prayers.
In your Holy Name. Amen.
Next Prayer: The Prescription
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn…then I will hear from heaven and forgive…heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
God Bless America
“God Bless America!”
I wonder what the speaker understands about this request. Listen carefully while saying this powerful prayer request out loud. “God Bless America!”
It often appears at the end of politically charged speeches. In this context, it may sound like a command, demand, or mandate rather than a prayerful request. Practice saying, “God, bless America.”
These words spoken with humility are a supplication, petition and prayer. Try saying, God, bless…
The comma offers a way for us to practice pausing, parking, and praying. We reflect on our thoughts before proceeding.
“God, Bless, “allows us time to turn our attention away from ourselves and towards Spirit. The comma positions us to PARK. Commas will enable us to stop the excess chatter in our mind and lay our thoughts in our hearts. When we park at the thrown of Grace, we connect with the Holy One. We are fully present with God.
Many of us wouldn’t begin our phone conversation by saying, “Diane, give me” or “Martha bless me!” We usually give a greeting or say a welcoming statement. “Good Morning John, how are you? I hope all is well.” We check in with one another.
Try saying, “Good Afternoon, God! Thank you for taking my call.” Then, “God, I am not satisfied with…” Or, “God, I am thankful for what you did…” Then ask, “God, Bless America.” Our prayer ends with a powerful affirmation of faith that indicates God is the source of power. Therefore, say, “I pray in Your Holy Name.” Finally, consider ending your prayer with “Amen,” or “So be it,” or “According to God’s Will.”
I believe God answers our prayers. I hope you will recognize God’s answer as a blessing. God often gives us what we need, and when we need it.
Let’s Park and Pray at 1:11 pm this prayer:
Almighty God, we thank you for your omnipresence. Thank you for the many ways you share your unconditional love with us. God, keep us healthy in body, mind, and Spirit so we may live according to your will and ways. Give us hope for our future and patience to endure and overcome our troubles. Heal our brokenness. Bless us with your truth as the source for our wisdom and decisions. Forgive our sins and help us to recognize and overcome our transgressions. May we live each day to satisfy you and to receive your favor. Merciful God, we pray in our Savior’s Name. Amen.
Not Again!
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 endO Lord not again!
Not again!
Not again, Lord,
Please Lord not again. Amen.
Let It Begin With Me
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
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
Thanksgiving Meal Blessings
Dear Prayer Partners,
I am sharing these Thanksgiving “blessings, prayers, and invocations from diverse traditions, for meal times, gatherings, and grateful living” which I found on Gratefulness.org
— Read on gratefulness.org/resource/thanksgiving-meal-gratitude-blessings/
Praying your Thanksgiving is a time of gratefulness and abundant blessings.
Agape,
Pray, Run, Vote, Love
Holy One, we call on you to cast your vote for humanity today. Cast your vote for Justice today. Cast your vote for righteousness, love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness and mercy. O Lord, help us to win the race that is set before us. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen
RUN
VOTE
Love never fails!
PARK AND PRAY AT 1:11
Overcoming Evil
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
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 â€14:27‬ â€â€¬â€¬
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.
Search Me,
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
LET’S PARK AND PRAY AT 1:11 pm
Search me, O God – deep within,
Know me – my heart, mind and soul,
Test me – examine me,
Know me – know my anxious thoughts,
See me – see my ways,
Lead me – Your way.
Receive me – my heart, my prayer,
and the prayers of those in need.
Praying in the Savior’s name. Amen
Aretha, Beauty, Virtuous & Excellent
Dear God, thank you for blessing us with Aretha Franklin. Her gifted voice and powerful spirit continue to edify your name. Your teachings about love, respect, righteousness and more are woven in her songs. Her music represents a tapestry of life. Holy One, thank you for inspiring and equipping Aretha with a powerful voice, an instrument of love, peace, and healing. There’s no sitting still when Aretha, the Queen of Soul’s voice is heard. Her spirit filled voice propels us to rise, hold our heads high, reach beyond the sky. We remember her manner of praise in her life and song as an extravagant and awesome gift!
Thank you Almighty God for Aretha, who experienced your holy presence early and throughout her life. Her music reflected the times in which we live. Times when we shed tears and laughed with her! Aretha, the Queen of Soul, often grounded us in your Supreme Love, a Divine Love. Aretha’s life and her songs are also reflections of our joys and sorrows. Queen Aretha reminded us in her life and in her passing that still waters run deep. In the midst of troubled waters, there is hope. You are One Lord of all who is the Bridge, the Way Maker, the everlasting Savior who gives us Life, Breath, Pulse, and Passion. Aretha means Beauty; Virtuous; and Excellent! She lived her life as the Queen of Soul, who ministered to many souls. Aretha, the Queen of Heart whose music still tugs on our heartstrings. Aretha, gone but never forgotten.
Eternal God, receive her into your everlasting peace. In our Savior’s name. Amen.
A 1:11 Prayer 4 You
When the Lord blesses and keeps you what more can you ask for?
Park and Pray at 1:11 pm. this Prayer.
“May the Lord bless and keep you” Numbers 6:24
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 â€63:1-11‬ â€NIV‬‬
Prayer for the elections in Zimbabwe, July 30, 2018 | Gifts in Open Hands
There is a week until the elections in Zimbabwe. Please pray for this so beautiful, so battered country. The world rejoiced with citizens dancing in the street in Harare last November when Mugabe left office. His near-endless violent incumbency in office did little to change the repressive white-minority-led leadership that preceded it. God’s people live…
— Read on giftsinopenhands.wordpress.com/2018/07/23/prayer-for-the-elections-in-zimbabwe-july-30-2018/
Thank you Maren Tirabassi for this post
It’s 1:11 p.m! Where Are You?
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
A Prayer for All Creation
Almighty God,
Giver of life and abundant blessings.
Give us reverence for all creation.
Give us passion to love what you create.
Give us respect for every person.
O God, be the moral compass within us,
That we may reflect your image
in our Savior’s name, we pray. Amen.
God’s Presence, Power & Purpose
It’s amazing what we miss when we fail to simply park and pray at 1:11pm.
There are signs of God’s Divine presence, power and purpose all around us. God’s creation is filled with signs that we can see, feel, touch and hear. God speaks to us in many ways. God wants to be in our lives.
Sometimes I barely say a spoken word when I pray. When I park and pray at 1:11pm outdoors, I listen to the sounds around me. I am reminded of this great hymn “How Great Thou Art!” It becomes a chant in response to burdens I’m carrying. “How Great Thou Art!”
In the midst of your inner challenges try chanting “How Great Thou Art!” Look around you and imagine the branches of the trees clapping. Listen to the birds sing and the sounds of squirrels running across the grass. Feel each mighty breeze brush against your back as if you grow wings. There’s a power that stirs within us as and offers a blessed assurance that God knows our joys and our tribulations.
For many years, I searched for God’s presence and I wanted to strengthen my relation with God. This is what I discovered. First, believe God is present. Second, believe God can and will fulfill your needs. Third, believe in the power of prayer and then, Pray. My life changed as I became aware of God’s presence.
Let us pray.
Almighty God you make your presence known day and night. You are the Light that pierced through dark clouds, trees and landscapes. You meet us at the crossroads of our lives. You call us to “Be still and know that I Am God.” You remind us to call on You and ask for “Amazing Grace.”
Thank you Lord. Thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for picking us up when we fall down. Thank you for holding our hands and at times carrying us when our burdens weigh us down.
Have mercy O God! Lord forgive us. God, renew, strengthen, guide and bless us. Bless our neighbors near and far. Shine your light on us and in us. Give us your everlasting peace.
God teach us to pray.
Amen (Let It Be).
Come With Me
http://bible.com/111/mrk.6.31,33.niv
It’s 1:11 pm. Time to stop. Park and Pray. Rest in God’s presence.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for inviting me to rest in your presence. Thank you for calling me to a quiet place with you. Thank you for guiding me to a quiet place.
For in your presence I find peace. Lord, in your presence I find silence. In your presence I find rest for my weary body, mind and soul.
Lord, save a place for me.
Help me to hear your call in the midst of so many voices and places. My Lord, you patiently wait for me as I learn to stop, to park in the midst of your presence. I sit at your feet and release my burdens. You hear my prayers. Lord give me ears to hear you and strength to walk with you. Help me to be in your presence daily.
Oh Lord, I cherish my time with you. I come to glorify your name. I come to rest in your presence. I come to receive your peace. I eat your Bread of life. I rest with you. I am restored. I go in peace.
I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.