Inspired by lyrics by Susan Clark to “Pray” —
I pray about those who have stumbled, who seem to have lost their way. I pray that they are finding their path to a brighter day.
There are no magic words for me to say. I don’t even have to open my mouth, for God hears me, anyway.
I know that God forgives me, as I forgive those who won’t.
I pray with those who love me and I also bless those who don’t.
There is no magic place I need to go. Each day holds a blessing, and it’s only a thought away.
I turn the key that unlocks the door to faith when I pray.
Responsive Reading for Sunday, August 19
“You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (M5. 5:43-5).
I pray about those who have stumbled, who seem to have lost their way.
I pray that they are finding their path to a brighter day.
“In praying, do not babble like [some people], who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Mt. 6:7-8).
There are no magic words for me to say.
I don’t even have to open my mouth, for God hears me, anyway.
“Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you . . .” (Lk. 11:24-6).
I know that God forgives me, as I forgive those who won’t.
I pray with those who love me and I also bless those who don’t.
"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the [places of worship] and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Mt. 6:5-6).
There is no magic place I need to go. Each day holds a blessing, and it’s only a thought away. I turn the key that unlocks the door to faith when I pray.