Good Morning God

Here is a prayer a friend sent, written by Father Austin Fleming, which I thought we could all benefit from at this time of unrest in our country.  He writes daily to “God” in a blog at Concordpaster.blogspot.com

Good morning, good God...
Well, some of the hoopla is finally over Lord, and some of it's just beginning. What have we to offer you today?

Shall we lift up our hands in angry gestures, sending up a prayer filled with cuss words and swears?
Shall we shout out our hate for those you love in spite of however they voted?  Shall we bless your name as we curse our neighbor?
Shall we give you glory while we swagger in our pride, rendering you praise from spiteful hearts and vengeful spirits?
Shall we pray as if all hope were gone, forgetting that you are our only hope?
Shall we put our faith in one like ourselves, forgetting
that only you can save?
Whether in anger or in celebration we quickly forget that you alone are the Lord, with power to heal and save us.

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So we offer you our prayer today, Lord:
   for the mending of America,
   for the healing of our nation's soul,
   for the calming of our country's spirit,
   for justice done as you would have it,
   for freedom tempered with sacrifice,
   for liberty crowned with self-restraint,
   for leadership tendered with humility,
   for compassion in those who govern us,
   for those who serve and protect us,
   for truth in our words and deeds,
   for integrity, unanimity and solidarity for all,
   for hearts wide open to welcome in your tired, your poor, your
   huddled masses yearning to be free.

We know this is a lot to ask, Lord, and we know you ask us, in turn, to be  instruments of your peace and grace. Help us, Lord, to live through this time according to your word and will, and make of us again a people after your own heart.

Lord, hear our prayer today.

Amen.

Love and Peace,
Mary