a friend facing an important meeting tomorrow,
a meeting with significant consequences and,
as you know, Lord,
my friend is worried and anxious
and may not sleep well tonight...
And that gets me thinking, Lord - and praying -
for (only you know how many) millions of others
knocking on your door tonight,
troubled about tomorrow's
meeting, job interview, test results,My first prayer, Lord, is for the grace of acceptance:
opportunity to find food and potable water,
medical appointment, deadline, rent payment,
overdue bills, daily search for shelter, court date,
shelling by invading forces,mail or phone call,
surgery, choices to be made, decisions to be announced,
dreams come true, hopes dashed
and prayers to be answered...
for the serenity to accept what comes
with patience and composure and most of all
with trust in you and in your help
no matter what tomorrow brings...
My second prayer, Lord, is for strength:
for the strength to accept what comes
as part of your plan, a plan larger than anything
we can now understand or grasp but nonetheless,
a plan for our lives that is in your care
precisely because you love us
in good times and in bad,
in sickness and in health,
in every joy and every sorrow
that touches and fills our hearts...
My third prayer, Lord, is this:
open the eyes and hearts of us all
to the many ways that any of us
might be the answer to the prayers
so many offer you this night,
to the many ways that any of us
might be there for others
in their time of fear and trouble...
So, I place my friend in your hands this evening, Lord,
along with those millions of others
who go to bed tonight, restless and worried
over what tomorrow may bring...
Protect them, Lord, as they try to find sleep
and watch over them when they do
that awake, they may keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Be With Me, Lord by Marty Haugen
Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble,
be with me, Lord, I pray.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in the shadow of our God,
say to the Lord, "My refuge and fortress,
the God in whom I trust!"
No evil shall befall you, no pain come near,
for the angels stand close by your side,
guiding you always and bearing you gently,
watching over your life.
Those who cling to the Lord live secure in God's love,
lifted high those who trust in God's name.
Call on the Lord who will never forsake you,
God will bring you salvation and joy.
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