By Grace Andrews of Blue Springs, Missouri USA

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

It’s the end of the day. The dishes are done. The laundry is clean, folded and put away. I figured out the menu for tomorrow. I wonder if I set the alarm…The lights are out. All is quiet in the house. Ok, it’s time to pray.

Dear Lord, please watch over us through the night. Keep us safe. Be with the children and help them with their various activities. Stephanie has an important test tomorrow, Charlie has a sore throat, and little Melinda is cutting teeth. And we have friends who are suffering, some in bad health, some in mourning. I can’t recall all their names right now, but you know…I planted flowers in the garden today and then the frost came. I should have gotten gas in the car and one tire is low. But I was too busy. And I have so much to do tomorrow. I don’t see how I can ever get it all done. It’s overwhelming. Help me, help me, Lord. Well, I guess that’s all I have time for tonight. I really need to sleep if I can. I know I’ll lie awake awhile thinking about all these worries.

…Oh yes, I almost forgot, thank you for your blessings.

Blessings? Really? An afterthought. Let’s see—the blessing of home, family, health—those blessings and a multitude of others should have come to mind first. But I’m so sleepy now. How many blessings can I bring to mind really quickly before I get too tired. The worries of today and the worries of tomorrow and the next day keep crowding in. I’m getting really sleepy now. Lord, just one more thing. Tomorrow is going to be such a busy day; there are so many things I need to do; things for which I should ever be thankful. I’ve spent all my time asking and asking—I don’t even know where to begin to thank You. I should just say Amen and go to sleep.

Prayer Phrase

“Do not be afraid, for I am your God…” (Isaiah 41:10).

Voices of God

What is the voice of God saying to us? Do we hear the whispers of God’s longing for shalom; God’s dream of beauty and wholeness for all creation? Do we hear the “voice” of God calling to us in faces and eyes, in the sounds of suffering and joy, in scripture and sacred word, in tears and laughter, in silence and noise? Spend a few moments reflecting on when and how God’s voice speaks to you. When did you first feel called to join God in the pursuit of peace and justice? How does the call of shalom continue to come to you through the many “voices” of God?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.