Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. fro Sunday, 4 May 2014 "Prayer Tip"

Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. fro Sunday, 4 May 2014 "Prayer Tip"
Prayer Tip:
The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5
Sometimes it seems like the evil humans can do is overwhelming. Every day the news is full of violence and cruelty and some days it just seems like too much. On those days it can even be hard to sense God's presence in the world and in our lives and we can feel surrounded by darkness.
Prayer is how we open ourselves to God's presence and power, and invite God into the world to change hearts. The more we pray, the more we feel that presence and power. One way to push away the darkness is through praying short prayers and blessings throughout your day. These "little" prayers invite God into every part of your life, and into the lives around you. Here are some examples:

• Giving thanks before meals, and even before your morning, midmorning, and afternoon coffee or snacks – while you are at it, ask God to bless the barrista and the person who grew or made your snack.
• Pray when you leave your home: "O God, protect this home and those who live here, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen."
• Pray when you fasten your seat belt in the car: "Wrap me in your love, Lord, buckle me in your blessedness."
• As you drive or walk along, ask God to bless those you see with the knowledge of God's love and presence.
• When you pass a church, or a school, or other public building: "God who sees all, please bless all those who enter this building, and let them know your love."
• When you hear a siren or see an emergency vehicle in route: "Lord, please be with the person or persons who have called for this emergency help, and protect them and the responders."
• When you sit down to a task at work, at home, or in your business: "Lord, watch over me and let my work be a reflection of you."
• When you read or hear news of violence, cruelty, and hate: "O God, I pray for ________(name or situation), and ask that you be present in this situation. May your will be done."
• When you are angry or upset: "Lord God, quiet my heart and fill me with your love and compassion."
• Before you settle in to rest after a day's activity: "Thank you God for this time of rest and renewal. Renew my energy and my spirit to serve you."

Don't forget to pray before you go to bed! "May I sleep with you and rise in Glory. Amen."--Jennifer Creagar, Coordinating Assistant for Prayer and Congregational Care
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