Prayers and Thoughts

for Reflection

Lenton Devotional

2008

February 27

Into all our lives, in many simple, familiar, homely ways, God infuses this element of joy from the surprises of life, which unexpectedly brighten our days, and fill our eyes with light.  He drops this added sweetness into his children’s cup, and makes it to run over.  The success we are not counting on, the blessing we were not trying after, the strain of music in the midst of drudgery, the beautiful morning picture or sunset glory thrown in as we pass to our from our daily business, the unsought word of encouragement or expression of sympathy, the sentence that meant for us more than a writer or speaker thought – these and a hundred others that everyone’s experience can supply are instances of what I mean.

Samuel Longfellow

Our Father, when we long for life without trials and work, without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.  With stout hearts may we see in every calamity an opportunity and not give way to the pessimist that see in every opportunity a calamity.

Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate.

Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence.

St. Augustine

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you, says the Lord.
Psalm 32:8

Dear Lord, Thank you for the promise of Your word.  Thank you for the unexpected joys in my life, the successes and blessings that bring joy to the day. Thank you for the trials that help me climb to mountaintops. Thank you for the surprises in doing things I didn’t know I could. Keep me calm under pressure. When I worry, let me always trust in You knowing You have I plan that I don’t always understand. Breathe into me all the hope I need for every load I bear. Keep me mindful that nothing will happen that You and I can’t tackle together. Show me how to make every second count. Remind me not to spend time and energy on that which only You know the answer. Help me to be a life saver when I see someone drowning. Amen.