Gratitude Day 558

Wed., Jan. 18, 2021

Micah 6:8 – He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.

In the last year, it feels like there have been so many impactful events in our country. History-making events that will be recorded for future reference and reflection.

Today, is another of those days. Inauguration day when a new administration will fill the executive branch of U.S. government.

We’ve watched and followed and observed the events in the last number of months that have led up to today. Many others have rehashed the details and finer points. My point is not to add to the rhetoric today. I’d rather we focus on what we can do for our country.

We can pray. Today, tomorrow. Everyday. Pray, pray, pray.

Seriously, pray.

It’s not that I feel people have stopped praying the last number of months. I do believe people have called upon God regularly and earnestly. Rather, I pray we can commit to seeing this IS one of the most important things we can do as people of faith. Pray for our leaders. Our government. Decisions that are out there. How we dial down the divisiveness and choose to love our neighbors even when they have a different point of reference than we do.

I am acutely aware that how one person prays can easily be offset by how another person prays. I wish we would allow prayer to be less of creating spaces for winners and losers. Rather, can we commit to praying for wisdom? Guidance? Listening more and speaking less? Less me and more we?

I know this may feel terribly optimistic and idealistic right now. My heart becomes sad when we give up on each other because we see things from a different perspective. I am not advocating for acceptance of everything when clearly, some choices are out of bounds. What I pray is that we can choose to be open. Willing to listen. Intentionally more filled with grace and willing to share this same grace with those around us.

And so, can we bathe this day in prayer? As well as tomorrow? And the next day? If we really yearn to move forward and create a place where we can support each other daily, then this is where I think it needs to begin. In prayer. Together. Asking the Holy One to be with us. Our new administration. The folks who are transiting out of roles. Our Congress. Our Supreme Court. All who love this country and call it home. Let’s begin by praying the prayer below.  

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – You are the source of hope. You are the One who can come into challenging situations and make a difference. You know what has happened previously and what lies ahead. Today, we pray for the changes that are happening within our American government. Be with those who are assuming new responsibilities as well as those who are stepping aside. May their strength in transitioning gracefully be rooted in the grace You extend us. May our constant prayers support and sustain those who have been elected and chosen to lead our country. We live in a time of great need. Grant these servants strength for the challenges and work that lies ahead. May decisions be rooted in reflection and guidance from You. May hearts be soften and encouraged to work together for the greater good of all. We ask that the Great Physician heal those who are hurt, ill and hurting. There is much physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing that we know can only come from You. May we all earnestly seek the mind of Christ in our daily living and reflect the grace and faith he demonstrated to us all. Amen.

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