tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28462740138832695032024-03-13T17:50:48.309-04:00Prayer 365Praying together every day...Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.comBlogger2276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-86349365470485624902017-04-16T08:31:00.003-04:002017-04-16T08:31:44.471-04:00A Prayer for Sunday, April 16, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Easter Sunday</i></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><u>Praise<o:p></o:p></u></i></div>
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Praise fills us over the resurrection of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We praise you because Christ the Lord is risen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We praise you because in him, we have been raised to walk in newness of
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We praise you because in him, we will be raised to be whole and complete
for eternity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><u>Wonder<o:p></o:p></u></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Wonder fills us over the resurrection of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We gaze in wonder at the empty tomb.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We reflect in wonder on the risen Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We live in wonder at your amazing grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><u>Life</u></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Life fills us because of the resurrection of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We live here and now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We will live there and then.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We live in trust, in hope, and in love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Let it all be, Lord. Let it all be.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-53847583494503413882017-04-15T10:47:00.000-04:002017-04-15T10:47:18.602-04:00A Prayer for Saturday, April 15, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 44.5pt;">
<i>Holy Saturday</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus is in the tomb.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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His followers sit and stare, grief-stricken, dazed,
frightened.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They think it’s over. They think joy and hope have
died.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We know it isn’t; we know they haven’t. We’re just waiting for tomorrow’s celebration.
So it’s hard for us to put ourselves in their place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And yet … <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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sometimes a loss hits us so hard that all we can do is
sit and stare, grief-stricken, dazed, frightened; sometimes it seems that joy
and hope have died, and that they have no chance to rise again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So maybe we do know something of how they felt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Sunday’s coming,” we say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But sometimes it doesn’t come tomorrow. Sometimes we
have to wait a long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us grace to live faithfully, when we must, in the
darkness of Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 44.5pt;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-18268746546552859192017-04-14T10:28:00.003-04:002017-04-14T10:28:50.035-04:00A Prayer for Friday, April 14, 2017 <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Good Friday</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We praise you because <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus died on the cross for us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We ask you to give us <o:p></o:p></div>
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grace to die with him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Help us <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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take up our cross and follow Jesus, <o:p></o:p></div>
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give up our lives so we can find them, and <o:p></o:p></div>
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die to self so we can live in Christ and for others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-74309361586996005162017-04-13T06:42:00.000-04:002017-04-13T06:42:03.794-04:00A Prayer for Thursday, April 13, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Maundy Thursday<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We have to eat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When we do, remind us that Jesus is at table with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We often eat with other people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When we do, remind us that we are to love them like Jesus loves us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let our meals remind us of the community of which we are part: Jesus,
other people, and us. Thank you that Jesus teaches us, by word and example,
what it means to love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you for the privilege of giving ourselves up for each other. Help
us take advantage of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-3171605301227553832017-04-12T06:37:00.003-04:002017-04-12T06:37:11.235-04:00A Prayer for Wednesday, April 12, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Wednesday of Holy Week</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Help us live memorable lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let us be remembered for <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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our service, <o:p></o:p></div>
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our sacrifice, <o:p></o:p></div>
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our generosity, and <o:p></o:p></div>
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our compassion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Whenever people speak of us, let <o:p></o:p></div>
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those be the qualities they talk about.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let them know that we lived those <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
ways because we followed Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-26524788765756474002017-04-11T06:42:00.003-04:002017-04-11T06:42:31.792-04:00A Prayer for Tuesday, April 11, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Tuesday of Holy Week</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thank you for Jesus’ words that the Gospels give us. They no doubt
report only a fraction of what he said, but we assume they share the ones we
most need to hear and heed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The few words we have are evidently more than we can handle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Forgive us for not taking Jesus’ words seriously enough. Help us do
better. Help us dedicate ourselves to reading, studying, understanding, and
believing them. Help us be who Jesus teaches us to be. Help us do what Jesus
teaches us to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus is our teacher. Let us learn from him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus is our Lord. Let us obey him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus is our life. Let us live in him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-84541262097757094182017-04-10T06:40:00.003-04:002017-04-10T06:40:59.247-04:00A Prayer for Monday, April 10, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Monday of Holy Week</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If we examine our lives closely, we may find that our priorities and
perspectives are in disarray.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We may find, for example, that we put other things ahead of loving and
serving other people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We may find that our pursuit of success, our interest in
self-preservation, and our desire for power get in the way of our bearing
witness to the One who came not to be served, but to serve. They may get in the
way of other people coming to you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us priorities and perspectives that reflect those of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. Help us worship you and follow Jesus in ways that will
lead us to think of others before we think of ourselves. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-6760136188397077682017-04-09T08:41:00.002-04:002017-04-09T08:41:36.023-04:00A Prayer for Sunday, April 9, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Palm Sunday</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us courage to follow Jesus into Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He goes there to accomplish his mission. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He goes there to finish his work. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He goes there to accept his cross. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He goes there to die.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, we join those who sang praises to him as he entered Jerusalem.
When they praised him as the one “who comes in the name of the Lord,” they were saying more than they knew they were saying.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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They were saying more than they meant to say. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>They were saying other than they meant to say.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We should know. We should know that Jesus was a King <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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who served, <o:p></o:p></div>
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who sacrificed, <o:p></o:p></div>
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who gave, and <o:p></o:p></div>
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who died.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Help us follow our King. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Help us follow him into Jerusalem. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Help us follow him to the cross.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Help us take up our cross and follow him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Help us give up our lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Help us practice love and grace through </div>
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<br /></div>
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service, </div>
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self-emptying, and </div>
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self-sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They laid down palm branches and their garments before him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Help us lay down our lives for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-75094584148649061392017-03-17T07:57:00.000-04:002017-03-17T07:57:10.211-04:00A Prayer for Friday, March 17, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Green, Pt. 1 (15<sup>th</sup> day
of Lent)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Forgive us for those times when <o:p></o:p></div>
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we’ve been green with envy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Help us be as grateful for the blessings <o:p></o:p></div>
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others have as we are for those we have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Make us more conscious of those who have less <o:p></o:p></div>
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than we have than we are of those who have more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Make us more interested in sharing what <o:p></o:p></div>
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we do have than in acquiring what we don’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-5220595501067032762017-03-16T06:41:00.001-04:002017-03-16T06:41:12.261-04:00A Prayer for Thursday, March 16, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Maybe (14<sup>th</sup> day of
Lent)</i></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today—<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe I’ll win, maybe I’ll lose. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe I’ll succeed, maybe I’ll fail. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe I’ll know, maybe I’ll wonder. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe I’ll remember, maybe I’ll forget.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe I’ll trust, maybe I’ll doubt. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe I’ll give, maybe I’ll take.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If today’s like every other day </div>
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so far, maybe I’ll do all of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Help me embrace all of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Help me love in all of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-6912291983634948512017-03-15T06:40:00.000-04:002017-03-15T06:40:06.900-04:00A Prayer for Wednesday, March 15, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mobile, Pt. 5 (13<sup>th</sup>
day of Lent)</i></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us mobile lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s good to get to go places. Help us seek <o:p></o:p></div>
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and take advantage of opportunities to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But I mean more than that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Give us lives that are always on the go. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Give us lives that are always seeking and <o:p></o:p></div>
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embracing new experiences and perspectives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t let us get stuck in our ways, in our places, <o:p></o:p></div>
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in our assumptions, or in our viewpoints.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Help us keep moving and growing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-84446203211364108052017-03-14T06:37:00.000-04:002017-03-14T06:37:07.091-04:00A Prayer for Tuesday, March 14, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mobile, Pt. 4 (12th day of Lent)</i></div>
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O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us mobile joy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Give us joy we can carry <o:p></o:p></div>
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from one situation to another.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us joy that springs from our awareness <o:p></o:p></div>
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that you love us, accept us, forgive us, and sustain us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us joy that is deeply rooted in trust <o:p></o:p></div>
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that you are working your purposes out and <o:p></o:p></div>
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that everything is going to be all right someday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us joy that is so real we can carry it from <o:p></o:p></div>
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a happy moment into a devastating crisis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us joy we know is there whether we are <o:p></o:p></div>
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laughing uncontrollably or sobbing inconsolably.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-15954083690937438652017-03-13T06:44:00.000-04:002017-03-13T06:44:02.639-04:00A Prayer for Monday, March 13, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mobile, Pt. 3 (11<sup>th</sup>
day of Lent)</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us mobile compassion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s easy to have compassion toward <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
our family and our friends—toward <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
those who are closest to or most like us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s not so easy to have compassion toward <o:p></o:p></div>
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those who are strangers or who we perceive, <o:p></o:p></div>
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rightly or wrongly, to be our enemies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give us compassion that moves easily <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
between individuals, groups, and situations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Also give us compassion that <o:p></o:p></div>
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moves from attitude to action. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-39297516953551852162017-03-12T19:26:00.003-04:002017-03-12T19:26:18.503-04:00A Prayer for Sunday, March 12, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Second Sunday in Lent</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Draw us nearer to you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Help us know you as well as we can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As we grow nearer to you, draw us nearer to ourselves. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us know ourselves as well as we can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As we grow nearer to you and to ourselves, draw us nearer to others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us know others as well as we can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As we grow nearer to you, to ourselves, and to others, help us grow in
love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-41655743637544873352017-03-11T09:15:00.002-05:002017-03-11T09:15:56.360-05:00A Prayer for Saturday, March 11, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mobile, Pt. 2 (Tenth day of Lent)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us mobile hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us hope that moves <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
easily from us to others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When things seem okay <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
for us, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
give us hope that they’ll be okay <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
for everybody.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When things seem bad <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
for us, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
give us hope that they’ll be better <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
for everybody.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When things seem great <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
for us, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
give us hope that they’ll be great <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
for everybody.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In other words, give us hope <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
that, when we have it for <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
ourselves, immediately becomes <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
hope that we have for others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Don’t let our hope be just <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
about us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let it move right on over to <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
other people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Amen.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-84520433127016137612017-03-10T06:38:00.003-05:002017-03-10T06:38:49.789-05:00A Prayer for Friday, March 10, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mobile, Pt. 1 (Ninth day of Lent)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us mobile faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us faith that moves easily <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
from one situation to another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us faith that is strong and useful <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in good and bad times, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in happy and sad times, and<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in easy and difficult times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us faith that always focuses on you <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
but that adapts to whatever we encounter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us always take our faith with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Never let us leave our faith behind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-72265982259826076212017-03-09T06:38:00.001-05:002017-03-09T06:38:33.907-05:00A Prayer for Thursday, March 9, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Let, Pt. 3</i> (Eighth day of
Lent)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us know when to let up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us recognize situations when <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
we need to keep trying, but we <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
don’t need to try quite so hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us learn the art of making a<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
determined effort with a light touch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-77653230167254176662017-03-08T06:39:00.001-05:002017-03-08T06:39:06.533-05:00A Prayer for Wednesday, March 8, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Let, Pt. 2 (Seventh day of Lent)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we need to let it be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we need to let it lie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we need to do nothing—<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and nothing is hard for us to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us know when it’s time to back <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
away and watch from a distance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us know when it’s time to trust you, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and even to trust others, to deal with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Don’t let us use this prayer as an <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
excuse not to engage, to confront, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and to intervene if we should.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Still, help us know when <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
we need to let it be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us courage and faith to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-77608475621970514462017-03-07T06:38:00.001-05:002017-03-07T06:38:19.316-05:00A Prayer for Tuesday, March 7, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Let (Pt. 1)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we need to let go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us know when it’s time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We want to do what we can; <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
we want to do what we should.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But there comes a time when we’ve <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
done all we can and should do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When that time comes, give us grace and <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
strength to let it go and trust it all to you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Come to think of it—let us already be <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
letting it go and trusting it all to you even <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
while we’re doing all we can and should.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-90529295745109182192017-03-06T06:40:00.000-05:002017-03-06T06:40:12.715-05:00A Prayer for Monday, March 6, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Reflect, Pt. 3 (Fifth Day of Lent)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are flawed mirrors. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are marred, dull, and cracked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nevertheless, as we receive <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
your love, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
your mercy, and <o:p></o:p></div>
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your grace, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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let us reflect them onto <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
everyone around us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let our imperfect reflection of you <o:p></o:p></div>
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match up well with their broken lives <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
so they can know that you love them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let the strange angles at which our marred lives <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
reflect you cause your love to shine into the <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
cracks, corners, and hidden
places of their lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-52041371613449458372017-03-05T08:42:00.003-05:002017-03-05T08:42:40.883-05:00A Prayer for Sunday, March 5, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>First Sunday in Lent</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We praise you for your great grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We praise your for your grace that is <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
so much greater than our greatest sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us acknowledge our sins <o:p></o:p></div>
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so we can repent of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But help us acknowledge your <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
grace even more so we can <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
embrace your forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-6215508516209668632017-03-04T09:27:00.002-05:002017-03-04T09:27:41.237-05:00A Prayer for Saturday, March 4, 2017 (4th day of Lent)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Reflect (Pt. 2)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let the end result of our <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
searching and seeking be <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
that we more and more reflect <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
your grace, mercy, and love <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
that we see in Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-27206315181268920702017-03-03T06:28:00.002-05:002017-03-03T06:28:31.203-05:00A Prayer for Friday, March 3, 2017 (3rd day of Lent)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Reflect (Pt. 1)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lead us to reflect on the state of our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Who are we?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What are our priorities?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What are we wasting?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What do we need to build on?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do we need to tear down?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why do we think like we think?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why do we assume what we assume?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why do we do what we do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us undertake an honest appraisal of <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
who we are, what we are, and why we are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let your Spirit guide us in the process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-47449350620032033362017-03-02T06:32:00.002-05:002017-03-02T06:32:18.936-05:00A Prayer for Thursday, March 2, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Spirit (Pt. 3)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thank you for the world, the solar system, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
the galaxy, and the universe in which we live. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Help us be aware of and stay in <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
touch with the spirit of creation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Make us sensitive to what causes your <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
creation pain and sorrow. Help us move <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
away from such attitudes and actions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Make us sensitive to what brings your <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
creation joy and peace. Help us move<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
toward such attitudes and
actions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2846274013883269503.post-6279232865626333462017-03-01T06:30:00.002-05:002017-03-01T06:30:25.349-05:00A Prayer for Wednesday, March 1, 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Ash Wednesday</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As we embrace our mortality, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
help us embrace your eternity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As we confess our sinfulness, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
help us embrace your grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As we acknowledge our lack, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
help us embrace your abundance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Michael Ruffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387955769638547701noreply@blogger.com0