“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” Matthew 6:14.
As I read this verse the words of Don Henley’s Heart of the Matter came floating in: “And, I think it’s about forgiveness, forgiveness…We all need a little tenderness. How can love survive in such a graceless age?” And, I agree I think it is about forgiveness, but let’s face it when someone has done something to devastating for words or when we have come up against a battle so hard, so raw it’s hard to understand; being able to trust God, much less choosing to stop feeling angry or resentful towards the person or event can be incredibly painful.
It is only through continual prayer that our heart can be renewed and new habits can be formed. We cannot always change the situation or the event, but we can learn to speak with tenderness and react in ways that are honorable and dignified.
Pray today for God to show you how to use words of tenderness even in situations where you do not want to. Pray today for the discipline to react with honor and respect even in situations that do not always warrant it.
Prayer to move from Post-Traumatic Stress to Peace, Trust, Strength, and Discipline
Lord, thank you for surrounding us with your deep, deep love and covering us with your grace and mercy. We know that you want all of your children to live peaceful and prosperous lives. At times though, especially after someone has wronged us or we have been traumatized it is hard to move forward. We can get caught in a cycle of fear, worry, shame, and guilt that can distract us from walking with one another and You.
Help us to run with faith towards the foot of the cross trusting that You have everything that we need. Show us how to speak words of tenderness and react with honor and respect even in situations that could cause us to feel resentful or angry. Help us to find the strength to refocus our time and energy on the love, peace, and joy that You have planned for us. We ask that where our heart and soul are in turmoil that you bring us back to peace. We especially pray for peace and strength for those families in Uvalde, TX as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. We love you and look forward to our continued journey with You as we walk together toward a life filled with more peace, trust, strength, and discipline.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
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Ya’ll have a beautiful day! Thank you!
All My Love,
Jen
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