Simply Powerful

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

Is there someone in your life who needs peace?

This is what God promises and delivers to you:

“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

Pray this simply powerful prayer at 1:11 pm with me in spirit.

Master Gardener, I heard some folks complain about the weeds in our gardens that ever so often wrap around our tongues, hands and feet.

Weeds interfere with our ability to be at peace and give peace.

Many struggle to release these weeds, roots of entanglement that kill the peace that you give us.

As one vice is released another one stands up against many of us.

It’s a constant battle to be free and at peace.

Master Gardener, hear our prayer.

Holy One, release all who are bound and at war.

O Merciful Peacemaker, prune our gardens.

Magnificent Lighthouse, shine your Divine Light on all who fear.

Shower your people with your Holy peace.

Thank You O God for giving us your everlasting peace.

In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.

Remember God’s Promise

“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 ‭NRSV‬‬

Free Parking

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

Park and Pray is

Free,

No Meters,

Ticketless,

No expiration!

It’s Available,

No Limits!

It’s Proven,

It’s Harmless,

No Side Effects!

It Requires: A-T-T-E-N-T-I-O-N

Attention

Time

Talking

Effort

No Coercion

Total Focus

Investment

Open heart

Now or never

Faith in God

What the Lord Promises when you

“Come to me,

all you who are

weary and

burdened, and

I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and

learn from me,

for I am gentle and

humble in heart, and

you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and

my burden is light.”

Jesus of Nazareth Matt. 11:28–30

Pray

O God, hear the prayers of my heart, mind and soul. I wait with mercy and thankfulness for your response. Amen.

The Bus Stop

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham
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.

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.

Christmas Blessings

Posted on by Rev. Cleo Graham

http://bible.com/97/luk.2.13-14.msg

A Prayer for a Blessed Christmas
Almighty God, with a reverent heart, we give thanks, honor and praise to you for your great love in the gift of your Son. We pray for “A Blessed Christmas and New Year!” Gracious God with a grateful heart we receive your gift and share this gift of love. Help us to do your will, follow in your ways remembering your call to make, “Peace on earth, good will toward all.”

In Your Holy Name I pray. 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.