It has become my spiritual practice to use my Facebook page to write and share a daily prayer for Lent.  Forty days  (not including Sundays!) of brief and sometimes funny but always honest prayer.    I’m going to try to share the prayers here on the church website blog weekly.

Ash Wednesday (Lent 1)

I don’t want to think about being dust and ash, God, because today, I am healthy and whole. Let me face the truth of this finite life; A truth that says “soon enough death will come for me.” Let me face it, not as punishment but as encouragement to live a better life today. Amen.

Lent 2

I’m rough around the edges today, God. Jagged with need and angst and anger. Sand me down to smoothness with your love and relentless presence so I may walk into today without scratching others. Amen.

Lent 3

The peace you promised eludes me, God. ‘Cause the world judges me by my schedule and peace isn’t penciled in ’til Sunday. Help me figure out my priorities so your gifts come before my ego. Amen.

Lent 4

Do you snuggle me, God, the way the blankets on Saturday morning surround me? Is it ok for me to imagine your love like this; Downy fresh and warm and inviting me to stay a little longer? And can I take this feeling with me all day? Yeah? Thanks. Amen.

Lent 5

Monday, again, God? Instead of being thankful for this miracle I’m grumbling. Help me see the sunrise with eyes that look for blessings instead of curses. Help me see this day as filled with potential instead of filled with tasks. And let me encourage others to use those eyes as well. Amen.

Lent 6

How thankful I am, God, for all of my blessings. How thankful I am that they overshadow my curses. Pull me from the shadows today so that I can dance with your Spirit in the light. Amen.

As a hobby, I perform as a stand-up comedian. No joke. Last night I was in a contest with 15 other comedians and, well, let me just say it wasn’t my best night. Comedy is a lot about connecting with the crowd, having positive energy and good timing. I missed the mark on all of it. Oh, sure, I got a few laughs – but it wasn’t my best work. I can blame the fact that I was tired (because I was.) I can blame the fact that I was hungry (because I was. ) I can blame the fact that I drew the 2nd slot and had to go up very early in the competition before the crowd was warmed up (because I did.) OR I can let it go and try to have a better set next time I take the stage.
I choose to let it go. I learned a few things – like making sure I eat dinner first. I had the opportunity to catch up with some of my comedy friends. And now – let’s move on. Life is like that sometimes.
Thank God that I could wake up this morning with last night’s experience behind me. God has given us this day to move forward and experience another segment of life. The past is past and I can carry forward the lessons and the memory but today…today is here and I am ready to jump in and play in the hours I have been given.
Prayer for today: Thank you, God, for making all things new today. Amen.

Welcome to the new blog! I enjoy encouraging people to find ways to connect faith with everyday life. As we make a hundreds (more?) of decisions we make daily, each one can be an opportunity to live out the Christian faith in the world. Simple choices such as – where to park in the grocery store parking lot to more complex ones such as what social or political causes to support with time or finances. Each decision is a great opportunity to show the world your faith.
My prayer for this blog is that it might be used as a touch stone. Here you will find my ramblings and prayers. They might not always be the most eloquent words you’ll read all day – but they will be heartfelt.
Prayer for today: God, as this new venture starts, please bless it that the words written and read may impact the word for your glory and the highest good of your people. Amen.