Each Friday my writing stems from a word prompt. Five minutes, one word prompt. The prompt this week is … Again.
Looking out the back windows, I see the sun rising again. It is a sight I never tire of seeing again and again.
The dictionary tells me “again” means “once more or another time”.
And immediately an old prayer comes through my thoughts. I reach for the book from my shelf and turn to the page to read:
“You have once again let day dawn for us, O heavenly Father; may we remember this is your merciful gift. Teach us to understand why you have given us this glorious gift, and why you let your wonderful sun rise above us so we may live each day according to your will and prepare ourselves for the never-ending day you will create.
Holy Father, may we learn to abandon and avoid the night of darkness and sin so we may walk in the clear light of your divine mercy. Let us set aside the acts of darkness and take up the weapons of light so that we may always walk with integrity. Amen.”
(from Amish Prayers compiled by Beverly Lewis, page 16)
“For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.” (Psalm 84:11-12, NLT)
He has given us again, and anew, another day.
Yes, God is good again and again. When we get used to the fact, we can trust him even when things get rough. Thanks, Joanne. Blessings to you!
Yes, we are blessed. So many reasons to praise God!
I had never heard of the compilation of Amish Prayers (even though I live in the heart of Amish country). Thank you for sharing this beautiful prayer with us, Joanne. I need to find that book!
I watch the sun ascend the sky
with gratitude within my heart
for this could be the day that I
to heaven (I hope!) might depart.
With cancer’s Damoclean sword
and lymphoma’s buried IED,
I still do not find life untoward;
no, God’s not picking on me.
It’s just that this world is fallen,
and the bad things were set loose,
but I can still hark to His calling;
grace is there for me to choose.
The core of a Christian isn’t pride;
it’s more fun to play on God’s side.
What a beautiful prayer – and isn’t it true that each new day is such a treasured gift?? I don’t always start my day with that though…but I should. Appreciated the reminder this afternoon!
I never tire of seeing a good sunset or sunrise! God’s handiwork at its best!