What If?

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

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.

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.

Falling Up

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

My adult son revisited his childhood book and he found new meaning –>

What matters most?

The fall or the getting up? ——->—>

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Nelson Mandela

Let us Park and Pray at 1:11

Holy One, you are amazing! You show up when I need you. You speak to my heart and soul. You give me strength to hold onto the ledges, edges and cliffs of life’s journey. When I fall down on my knees you welcome me and lift my burdens. Falling in love with you is an incredible journey. Spirit of the Living and Loving God fall fresh on me so I may fall up when I’ve fallen down. Draw me close to you so I may follow the Light of your Holy presence. In my Savior’s 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.

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