1. ✤ Meal Prayer of Blessing (Sung to the tune of Edelweiss)
   

Thanks to God, praise and thanks!

Lord, we gather together.

From your heart you have brought

Love to share now together.

All who have hungered shall bless your name,

Bless your name forever.

Thanks to God, praise and thanks!

Lord, you bring us together.

~ Words by Gabe Huck

 

 

1. ✤Adaptation of St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer
   

 

            Christ before me            [hands out front]

            Christ behind me            [hands behind]

 

            Christ beside me            [hands sweep to sides]

            Christ within me             [hands hug arms]

 

            Christ above me            [hands above]

            Christ below me            [hands below]

 

            Christ in hearts            [hands crossed over heart]

            Of all who love me       [hands sweep out to those in front]

1. ✤Prayer for Travelers (placed on our bed in our hotel in St. Augustine, Florida)
   

Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people

and not solely a money-making organization

we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.

May this room and hotel be your “second” home.

May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams.

Even though we may not get to know you,

we hope that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house.

May the business that brought you our way prosper.

May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy.

When you leave, may your journey be safe.

 

We are all travelers. From "birth till death' we travel between eternities.

May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society,

helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best."

1. ✤Prayer Rock
   

I'm your little prayer rock

and this is what I'll do...

Just put me on your pillow

till the day is through.

Then turn back the covers

and climb into your bed...

And "Whack" Your little prayer rock

will hit you on the head.

Then you will remember..

as the day is through

To kneel and say your prayers

as you wanted to.

Then when you are finished

just dump me on the floor.

I'll stay there through the night time

to give you help once more.

When you get up in the morning,

"Clunk!" I'll stub your toe...

So you will remember

your prayers before you go.

Put me on your pillow

when your bed is made

And your clever little prayer rock

will continue in your aid.

Because your heavenly Father

cares and love you so...

He wants you to remember

to talk to him, you know.

(Author unknown)

 

1. ✤ An Untamed Life
   

    by John H Beck

    Give me a life

    untamed by my creativity

    disordered by my curiosity

    uncertained by my irreverence

    shakened by my tenacity

    unsecured by my independence

    and

    assured only by my trust

    in that which

    I can never totally comprehend

    in this lifetime

1. ✤The Limits of Parenthood
   

    {As part of a recent workshop in Omaha this past weekend, I read a reflection on parenthood. Several people asked me to post it on my         web page.  It is something I found on a bulletin board in a school in New Orleans several years ago and I don’t know who the author is.  It nevertheless conveys a powerful message.]

I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.

I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.

I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.

I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.

I can teach you right and wrong, but I cannot decide for you.

I can buy you a beautiful garment, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.

I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.

I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.

I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.

I can advise you about your friends, but I cannot choose them for you.

I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.

I can tell you about drink, but I cannot say no for you.

I can warn you about drugs, but I cannot prevent you from using them.

I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you.

I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sin, but I cannot make you moral.

I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's family.

I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.

I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.

I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life..

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2. ✤ An Inuit Reflection
   

          “I think over again my small adventures

                My fears

              Those small ones that seemed so big

              For all the vital things

              I had to get and to reach

              And yet there is only one great thing,

              The only thing

              To live to see the great day that dawns

              And the light that fills the world”.

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