Prayer: The Gate

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

We are in the time of expectant waiting, for the Christian church.  Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent.  It is a time of preparation as we wait to celebrate the birth of the Messiah.

I love the advent season.  Probably it is the purple candles.  It is a dark time of year with the winter solstice at hand.  But the light of the world is on the way.

“Father God, we are grateful for the rich and wonderful blessings in all our lives.  We are grateful you sent your son to save the world.  Let us prepare to celebrate with generosity toward our fellow man.  Help us keep love and joy in our hearts this season and be a blessing to everyone we know and see.  Thank you for sending the light to the world.  Amen”

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

We have all been there, in a place where regardless of how admirably we performed, it was never good enough.  The doors to success and encouragement were closed to us. 

What causes us throw roadblocks up for each other?  Why must we never let the other person feel they are special or extraordinary?  Do they deserve it?  Have you heard someone discourage “undeserved praise”.

Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. He brought redemption to this pain filled world.   We are children of God.  We are joint heirs with Abraham.  Do we deserve it?

When we give of ourselves, our gifts, our talents, our encouragement to another person, whether they deserve it or not, this world becomes a better place. The world can be a better place because we are here.  Another person can live up to their fullest potential because of a helping hand or an encouraging word.

Today, Father God, help us to reach out to others.  Let us live in the light you shined before us.  Let us shower blessings and encouragement to each other as you have blessed us; whether we deserved it or not.  Let us see the greatness in each other as radiant children made in your image.  Amen

Colorado College labyrinth instructions

Holy God, help us to release and let go of those things we do not need.  Bring forgiveness to our hearts. Forgive us our trespasses and help us forgive others.  Allow us to receive the grace and the blessings available through you.  Renew our minds, our bodies and our spirits. Amen

Colorado Collete labyrinth

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

Have you been in a place where you can’t see very far into the distance?  We think the choice should be simple.  We want the path to be clear. But we take a turn, wake up one morning and there is no path.  We don’t see it, it isn’t there.   Some days you take it one step at a time.  And maybe there are times of our lives it is best we do not see too far ahead.

Father God, let us learn to walk in your way.  Step by step you lead us.  Let us follow you all the days of our lives.  Let us trust you, even when there is no visible path.  Let us know in our hearts you provide for our needs and there is always more than enough.  Let us walk in faith. Amen

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

If Grace was a garden, I’d walk there with you. Like a child from the wilderness, whose spirit has been renewed, if Grace were a garden.

If Grace was a word, I think it would sound like a prayer from a grateful heart, rising and unbound, if grace were a word.

If Grace was a moment in the presence of God, filled with his favor, protection and his love if grace were a moment, if grace was a word, if grace was a garden…

All we need is enough for today.  Let it enfold me, define me, Gift of Grace.

Jesus hold us close and let us walk by faith.  Grace is a moment, Grace is a word, Grace is a garden. Gift of Grace.

From a song I wrote about 10 years ago.