Prayer: The Gate

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heavenly Father, As we gather together this year to celebrate the holidays, we ask your blessings on the relationships we have with others.  Help us let go of the stress and hold onto the joy of being with our friends and our families. 

We may not all think alike, or believe the same things.  We may hold different values.  We may have old resentments and anger in relationships.  Help us let go of our anger.  Help us find love and acceptance for those we will spend time with.  Let us find common ground.  Let us bring out the best in each other during this holy and sacred time. 

Let there be peace and glad tidings across the entire world.  Thank your for hearing this prayer.  Thank your for sending your son.  Amen

Photo by Christine Oldham

When I walked in Garden of the Gods last night, there were signs of snow on Pikes Peak.  Here in the park 6000 feet below the Peak, the air was warm. Flowers still in bloom seemed  unaware of this impending change.  I look forward to the change in seasons.  Autumn may be my favorite season.  There is a briskness in the morning air and the scent of a wood fireplace.   I enjoy bird hunting with my Labradors, so that translates to walking in wheat or corn fields that have been harvested.

This global recession has brought many changes in peoples lives.  Have hope.  It may be a new season in your life.  Maybe summer was your favorite season and you loved your last job, or the place you lived.  Now it is autumn and we must embrace and look for the beauty of this new season.  I pray that you are blessed and whatever transition you are going through is wonderful and an enriching part of your life.

Genesis 1:4

Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years;”

It was good!

Today I am so grateful that many American servicemen and women will be coming home from Iraq.  I know some will remain in an advisory capacity, but I want them all to come home.

Holy God, I lift up the men and women who are coming back to the United States after serving in a war with a vague enemy. 

 I would pray also for the souls of all those who perished.  Help those who return to assimilate back into a peace-time country.  Let them find the help they need to adjust to time with family and find peace in their spirits. Let them know they are appreciated and respected.  Amen

Willows bent and shaped

In our minds we work it all out.  Sometimes being flexible and open to other ideas can be better.  It seems that some folks are quite rigid while some are like cooked spaghetti and all over the place.  Which one are you?  Are you something in between?

The Unity Minister Catherine Ponder always suggests we ask that God’s unlimited good will be done in our lives in prayer.  Also when we ask for something specific, to say “This or something better, Father”.  In this way we are not limiting God.  I do ask for very specific things  when I pray and don’t usually add the qualifier.  In the Lords prayer it does state “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.”  You hear people say, “God willing”.

Holy and powerful God.  I would open my heart and mind today to the unlimited good you have for my life.  I am grateful that you care so much for me and your blessings for my life are far greater than I can even imagine. Let me be flexible and able to bend without breaking.  Shape my life.  Amen

As I traveled the Pikes Peak highway last Sunday, I was thinking how I plan and make lists.  Then, think I’m accomplishing something by checking things off the list.

In Kabbalah and the practice of Mystical Judaism it is suggested  the ultimate reality is there is only NOW.  While we are busy checking our lists and squinting to catch a glimpse of the future,  making a feeble attempt to prepare for it, there are those who know there is only Now. (more…)

I am grateful for the blessings in my life and rejoice in the LORD.

Hello God,  Have I counted my blessings lately?  Probably not often enough.  My health is good.  I had enough to eat today.  I have some amazing friends.  I have a terrific family.  I have meaningful work and a divine purpose.  My heart is filled with gladness.  I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Thanks be to God!

Morning Walk