Prayers

The joys of grandchildren

Thank you Lord for the joy of having grandchildren
For their smiles and sulks
For their energy and for my memory jolts,
Bringing back images of my own children when they were young.
Their presence reminds me of the basic needs of life.
The need for love and patience, as well as fun and frivolity.
Lord help me to rekindle my own childlike personality and
avoid the possibility of becoming a crabby old woman.
Help my spirit to soar and uplift those around me, however frail my body may become.
Thank you Lord

Chris Hoban
(written after seeing my four grandchildren together)

As long as I can walk one step
I'll walk dear Lord with you.
As long as I can hear one word,
I'll listen Lord to you.
As long as I can clasp my hands,
I'll clasp them both in prayer.
As long as I am here dear Lord,
I'll know that you are there.

Jean Harris

Coincidence

Was it just coincidence
When help was sent to me?
Did it by chance just happen
Or was it meant to be?
Was there an unseen helper
Who planned the timely deed
Who knew my situation
Who saw and met my need?
I do not know the answer
But strange it seems to be
That when I need a helping hand
Assistance comes to me.

Kathleen Gillum
from the Parish News of St. Aidan's, Bamburgh
Reprinted by permission.

Harvest prayer

Lord of the harvest
Who has given us each day our daily bread,
We give thanks now for the bounty of your earth
And for those who nurture its crops:

For the crisp crunch of apples
For the ripened heads of grain,
For the hours of summer sunshine
And the drenches of rain.

For the sharpness of onions
And the roundness of peas
For all crops of the earth
And the fruit of the trees.

For all your abundance this day we give you thanks.

Amen