81.
PRAYER FOR A SENSE OF HUMOR
It
was pretty funny Lord I have to admit. But does the laughter always have
to be at my expense? I'm not the only one who uses the wrong word or gets
caught in an absurd situation. I turn out to be the butt of everyone
else's joke more so lately. Or does it only seem that
way? Am I getting too touchy too quick to defend myself against anything
that would make me well, like the rest of humanity, I guess. Next time,
help me to see the humor in the situation and not imagine that people's
merriment is prompted by unkindness. After all, I am a bit foolish at
times and I suppose I had it coming.
82.
DO NOT FEAR BUT BE AT PEACE
Do
not fear what may happen tomorrow.
The
same loving Father who cares for you today, will care for you tomorrow and
every day.
Either
He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength
to bear it.
Be
at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.
|
83.
PRAYER FOR WORLD VISION
When
I turn off the 11 o'clock news I glance at my watch and yawn, and it's off
to bed. Nothing wrong with that. But what of those babies crying
motherless outside the Vietnamese village? The vacant stare of the
Appalachian coal miner with only memories of a job? The men and women in
the sweatshops of Hong Kong the prison camps of Siberia the resettlement
areas of South Africa the prisons of Brazil they are all part of my
family. How will they sleep tonight? Let me use what little voice and
power I have to speak and act on their behalf. For we have but one world,
Lord or none at all.
84.FOR
PEACE
From
the deserts of Sinai to the swamps of Indo China men give their lips to
peace and their hands to war. Nothing proves man's radical wound and reed
for Your Presence like brother against brother. Peace, like her sister
Justice requires the vision, discipline and love that only You can give.
Give. This time may we be ready.
85.
FOR THE POOR AND HUNGRY
Father
it's easy to forget the poor, the hungry, the cold, the sick. I have a
warm coat, a comfortable home, running water, a nearby supermarket, a
regular job. What I have is not mine without strings. But if I can only
remember that the strings are lines of love it won't be so hard to share
my time, my attention, my respect with those You love (as if You didn't
love everybody!; And get back without seeking it a new appreciation of the
dignity of those who suffer. Your blessings are not inert. If we let them
they spring us into action.
|