+ The Good Life

Thank God for the Little Things

Thank you, God, for little things
That often come our way,
The things we take for granted
but don't mention when we pray,
The unexpected courtesy,
The thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to touch us
in the time of sudden need.
Oh make us more aware, dear God,
of little daily graces
That come to us with "sweet surprise"
From never dreamed of places.

Seeing God's Sign Posts

Being open to God's guidance means being amenable to recognizing and embracing the signs of His direction in our lives.  Are we attuned to the signs that God places in our path? I find that understanding how to spot these divine signposts is helpful for navigating life's journey with faith and confidence. It involves prayer, reflection, and a heart ready to receive and act upon God's guidance. By cultivating this awareness, we align ourselves more closely with His will, ensuring that our steps are guided by His wisdom and love.

A Prayer for a Time of Tragedy

God of compassion,

you watch our ways,

and weave out of terrible happenings

wonders of goodness and grace.

Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy

with a sense of your present love,

and hold them in faith.

Though they are lost in grief,

may they find you and be comforted;

through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives

and rules this world with you. Amen.

                     From Book of Common Worship 

A Morning Prayer

Here's a morning prayer to take you through the busyness of your day to a place of peace.

Support me, Lord, all the day long,

until the shadows lengthen,

and the evening comes,

the busy world is hushed,

the fever of my day is over,

and my work done;

 

Then Lord, in your mercy, give me safe lodging,

a holy rest

and peace at last

with my blessed companion and Savior,

Your Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Listening to God's Triggers and Prompts to Prayer

In my sermon message on Sunday, I discussed triggers or prompts for prayer.   

I mentioned the influential 17th-century English pastor Richard Baxter. Baxter authored a significant book for pastors titled "The Reformed Pastor," which has had a lasting impact on pastoral ministry for centuries.

A suggestion from Baxter applies to us all: "Find the fittest time of the day and make an appointment with God." This advice is valuable for everyone!

For me, the best times to pray are when I rise, when I lie down, and every time I put food to my mouth. Each of these actions serves as a signal or trigger for me to pray.

Do you have at least one set time in your day when bells ring, an alarm goes off, a trumpet sounds or a loudspeaker in your mind calls you to prayer? I encourage you to set a specific time for prayer.

This week, my friend Tom responded:

...It occurred to me after this morning's call, and our discussion on triggers, that John 14:26 indicates that one of the things the Holy Spirit does is remind us of what Jesus taught.

When the Spirit reminds us, in His often subtle prompts and ways, that can be a 'trigger' for us to pray.  Of course, we need to be listening, aware and leaning into how the Spirit talks to us.