Heavenly Father, we all long for simplicity in our lives.  Help us to find contentment.  There are people and physical things that we have outgrown, or that have held us back.  There are times we have held others back as well.

Help us to release.  We let go of the people, and things that are no longer part of the divine plan for our lives.  We release them all to their highest good.  We forgive them, and they forgive us.  We leave them with our blessings.  They release us also. 

We are now free to move forward into the divine plan of our lives.  We are free, and we are content.  Let us dwell in your presence.  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

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.

Matthew 7:1 Do not judge so that you will not be judged.  7:2 For in the way you judge, you will be judge; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 7:3 “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

How quick we are to tell someone what they are doing wrong.  How quickly we become offended.

Allow us, Oh God, to look for the goodness and beauty instead of deficiencies in everyone we meet today.  Let us see each other as you see us.  Let us hold each other in respect and esteem.  Amen

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

Sometimes we become consumed with our differences.  I have allowed myself to be separated from God as well as be separated from other people by focusing on differences and shortcomings.  Somewhere on my journey I changed. I now believe when there is something large to overcome; we need to build a bridge.  Live and let live, build a bridge.

Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,

4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Most loving and amazing God, let us learn to do the things in this verse written by Paul 2000 years ago.  Let us learn to treat our fellow human beings with humility, and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.  This world would be a different place if this could happen for even one day.  Guide us and give us grace and wisdom.  Amen

Photo by MommyFromSeattle

Monday of this week is Yom Kippur.  Yom Kippur is the most sacred Jewish holiday, referred to as the “Sabbath of Sabbaths” .

Throughout the 25-hour holiday, Jews must refrain from eating and drinking; anointing themselves with lotions or perfumes; engaging in marital relations; washing themselves; and wearing leather shoes.

These prohibitions symbolically represent the angels in Heaven, whose purity Jews try to emulate on Yom Kippur.

Most Holy God.  I pray for Jewish people everywhere at this time of their collective fast.  Make easy their fast and bless them. 

I pray that I too, may humble myself before you.  I ask to be forgiven and to be reconciled to you. I would pray for my family, for friends.  I pray for those who need to sell a house, and those who need a job.  I pray there is more than enough food to feed the hungry.  I ask that there is love and protection for children everywhere.  Thank you for hearing my prayer.  Amen

Good news, the weapons of our warfare are spiritual. With God all things are possible and we can overcome.  We are not defenseless.  God is our defense and our deliverance now!

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen

Chronicles 21:27 And the LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back in its sheath.

In the 21st Chapter of Chronicles, David (the king who pulled the tribes together) wanted to count everyone.  It was a census.  For some reason, God didn’t want a census.  David counted anyway, except for the tribe of Levi and Benjamin.  But God was still angry about it and in verse 7 he was so displeased he “struck” Israel. 

David could have done nothing, but it wasn’t his nature.  He goes to God and asks forgiveness.  It is an interesting story.  He buys a threshing floor at full price, grain at full price and makes things right with God.  He doesn’t want people to suffer because of what he has done.  He is a king and yet is not too proud to ask forgiveness and do what is needed.

Father, forgive me for my sins.  Let no one suffer because of my actions or deeds.  Let me be a blessing.  Let me lead with wisdom.

It turns out one obtained an audience with the Pope in Rome, but when she demanded an apology for the treatment of the American Indians 200 years ago, the Pope canceled the meeting.

It is time to get over it.  While you are carrying a grudge, they are out dancing.  I think we should all be out dancing, especially waltzing as it is such a graceful dance. 

Walking in grace involves forgiveness.  Walking in grace is being filled with love and compassion, not resentment and anger.

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

So go out today letting go of any past anger and resentment.  Walk in God’s grace, moving forward with your life.

Let me walk in grace today.   Grace that is not earned, but given by you. Let me bring hope and mercy to others by my actions.  May they know I am a child of God by the love I share. Let me pray for those in need.  The joy of the LORD is my strength.   When I am in a place joy and gratitude, there is no room for intolerance and hatred.  Keep me close and humble Father.  Amen