The beginning of the year is a time many of us do a lot of sorting and cleaning out. It somehow helps us feel like we are starting fresh, making space for whatever life, and God, may bring our way. Sometimes there are sweet surprises in the sorting. For   instance, I ran across this prayer which a friend of mine sent to me some years ago. She adapted it from the famous prayer of St. Francis. I share it with you:

 

A Prayer for My Friends

 

Where there is disappointment, give them your abiding presence, Lord, so they can in time see a new day and bring what is stinging now into its appropriate place in the whole of their life.

 

Where there is frustration, give them your patience, that they may persevere where they need to persevere, or act where they need to act.

 

Where there is a challenge that seems to overwhelm them, give them your strength. Remind them that they can, by your Spirit, do all things that need doing.

 

Where there is spiritual stagnation, renew them by revealing your nearness and by drawing them into greater intimacy with you.

 

Where there is fear, bathe them in your love and infuse them with your courage.

 

Where there is sin blocking them, reveal it and help them break its hold over their life.

 

Where there is lack of direction, Lord, guide, steer, pilot, nudge, encourage in a direction that is pleasing to you and fulfilling to them.

 

Where there is heartache, be with them, Lord. Hold them tenderly; remind them of your unfailing love that can match the depth of their ache.

 

Where there is worry about finances, give them greater vision, and raise up helpers and friends to support and encourage them.

 

Where there is longing for more, meet them, Lord, as only you can. Show them that you are their heart’s desire, despite how many layers they may need to get through in order to see that.

 

Bless each of them with discernment to recognize evil forces around them, and  reveal to them the power they have in you to defeat whatever needs defeating. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

 

                                                        See you in church,

                         Pastor Karen

                                                     Philippians 4:6-7