Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with your presence
so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.
Amen.
by William Arthur Ward
a beautiful prayer indeed. I will try to live by those words as I head into work tonight. A colleague and i had words last night after a difficult night for all. I wish I had just let it go . We were both exhausted and not happy with each other. I pray for calm and to let it go. I pray for us always to do what is best, not easiest.
ReplyDeleteIm not sure why my comments on 52 weeks keeps wanting to come under Lenten prayer......
ReplyDeleteHere are my new gratitudes for this week! Thanks again for hosting and reminding me:
*people who foster kittens
*crazy crazy cat women
*deaf cat Radar
*chicken vesuvio
*anyone who can sing
*spring rain
*water gardens
*wool that felts
*my husband again and again
*silver necklaces
Happy Week of gratitudes to you!
ReplyDelete*Being grateful and nurturing my grateful side
*every green thing popping out of the ground!
*caffeine
*working with amazingly generous people, we are collecting money for
a baby to be buried properly......everyone is so generous.
*the CUBS
*lazy days with no plans
*my washer and dryer...i miss them when they are on the fritz!
*my husband, chatty thing that he is in the morning!
*Linda, my friend
*Lisa my friend!