prayers Archives - Parents Prayers

Looking deeper

8/20 We thank thee, our God, for the happenings of life: For mistakes that have helped us to look deeper into our lives. For new responsibilities that enable us to grow. For the tolerance of others who accept our shortcomings; And for the sense of your presence that can keep us going. Amen

When was the last time I thanked God for mistakes that helped (or forced) me to look deeper? I know I have come through things and been grateful for what I learned…but have I ever been thankful, as in, “gee, that was a great mistake, soooo happy it happened?” Uh, heck no. Somehow, I know I am deficit if I never get to the point of wrapping my arms around a big stinky old mistake and giving it a hug of gratitude.

But, like the Psalmist, where the first half is a lament…Your presence keeps me going.

And as Scarlett said, “tomorrow is another day.”

The story continues.

New Challenges. . .that cause us to grow

8/8/06 Our Heavenly Father, we thank you again for the opportunity of our fellowship here this hour — for new challenges that cause us to grow — for nourishment received — and for our health and well being. Continue to be with those in need of your Grace this hour. Amen

Looking ahead at the index card prayers to come feels familiar. Somehow, it seemed like peeking at a Christmas gift wrapped under the tree, but I did it anyway. Mostly I could tell if a prayer of Dad’s was church or for a civic group like Exchange. Today I couldn’t. Today I peeked. It was definitely Tuesday. It was definitely Exchange. Their lunch meetings that Dad attended were on Tuesdays.

“Challenges that cause us to grow” might be as simple as having to look something up. But, the thing we are looking up may have to do with something the doctor told a loved one, or our self.

Hopefully, looking for solutions to challenges involves acceptance and gratitude because the challenge, as I see it, is not off my Heavenly Father’s radar.

Looking for Pinholes

My first “real” job was at an ad agency. I was a “go-fer”. I loved it. Everyday I woke up excited as to what I was going to learn that day.

One day it was how to stick my arms in the photo stat machine to make art for keylines, another ended up getting spacey using an overabundance of 2-part rubber cement. Everyday was different and I was learning skills I would use my whole career…ok, not so much photostats, but I do know how to copyfit, if I had to.

One of the big reveals was seeing the behind the curtain views of how stuff is photographed to look yummy. Popsicles under the hot lights? Have a lot of them in the freezer.

Another was when the guys from the engravers would come over with their Chromalins, 4 color proofs layered together. Was the color accurate? If there were funky (not sure that was the word the art director used, my college job was a long time ago) stray black marks, dots, really, they were caused by pinholes (not really made with pins) in the film negatives. Somebody’s job, not mine, was to Opaque out the pinholes. They worked in a darkened room, on a light table, looking for strange dots of light coming in dark areas. They would paint on a fluid, probably named, “opaque-out” and let it dry.

Not catching a pinhole was a major problem. The “traffic” department would freak if the new product roll out was changed. The client would, also.

Who knew pinholes could be so scary?

Just ask a parent if a little bit of poison is ok in their children’s life or food. Never. Opaque is another word for Parents’ Prayers. I didn’t see that then, on my first big real career job (I am sure I made $3 an hour…) but I see it now. Opaque-out the holes with prayer.

via Daily Prompt: Opaque

The comfort of a path in the wilderness

7/22 Our Father, we once again ask for your blessing on this fellowship – we give You our thanks for blessings received – for your patience with us in our efforts to live lives of focus and tolerance of others. Help each of us to recognize our own shortcomings and to remember your Grace is everlasting. Amen

I am grateful today that there is not a gap in the dates. Today is in the cards, so to speak, my father did cover this day in prayer before me. He set a path.

The past 3 days were not covered or blazed by either my dad or mother’s prayers. I produced 1 post in that gap.

Progress, not perfection.

Go figure a first-born would say that!

prayers

Explore more