7 Prayers That Work

Did you know that many of the key characters in the Christmas story left prayers for us to read ? They were overwhelmed, amazed, frightened, and thankful. They were like us, really. They witnessed Emmanuel "God with us," just like we do. They had to stop in their stress and anxiety and notice God's wonder. And let that experience change them. Below are 7 prayers from that first Christmas.  Plus one from me.  They all address the issues we feel on a regular basis. The first 7 prayers are by the Christmas story characters themselves. Read their stories. Pray the prayers. Then watch and wait--God will fill you with wonder. I just know it! He really does wonder well. Prayer #1: Mary--"How is this possible?"--a request for understanding ( Lk. 1:21-28 ) Prayer #2: Mary--"Glory to God!"--a song of praise ( Lk. 1:21-55 ) Prayer #3: Joseph--"What should I do?"--a prayer of grief and confusion ( Mtt. 1:18-20 ) Prayer #4: Wisemen--"Where is he?...

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for the opportunity and ability to Christmas-shop. I love this season, and I love choosing gifts for people I love. This is a luxury not enjoyed by most people in the world. Keep me mindful of my blessings and thankful for the wealth you've given me. Help me to share generously and remember that everything I have is yours! Most of all, I want to be always cognizant that you are the perfect GIFT. You're all I need. May you be all I want. I recognize that I celebrate this amazing holiday because of your humility-- your decision to enter the world as a helpless baby, to live your life for other people, and then to die a cruel, unjust death so that I could enjoy your presence forever. How shocking and horrific that we often make the Christmas holiday about what we get and what we do. How blasphemous that we make it about snow, winter, and baking cookies. If we're not remembering you, sharing you, and honoring you, then what's t...