Monday, November 21, 2016

Dear God,

It is the week of Thanksgiving, a time when you whisper to us to remember and give thanks.  I think of my faith and my heart swells with devotion to you.  I pause to reflect your gifts, your graces, and your blessings.  I fill with gratitude.

A long time ago you asked me to begin each day with you.  Even before I rise from my bed, you ask me to start with prayer and so I do.  In those warm minutes so many gifts come to mind.  You parade people before my eyes, people who need prayer, the earth and all her inhabitants, nations, all of them, not just some, people living in fearful conditions, in war zones, unsafe neighborhoods, and on the street, the sick and dying but also family, friends and even strangers who I have heard about.  What a gift prayer is for it keeps me close to you and redirects my attention when I get too far away.

When gratitude fills me up with joy and thanksgiving, I finally get up and commence my day with a grateful heart.

Blessed Lord,
who gives
more gifts
than you?
Thank you
for prayer
that encircles us
with you
and the
whole world.
Thank you
for the blessing
of praying
for others.

Love, Andrea