Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)
Oh no, I overslept! No time for anything formal, Lord. Thanks for a new day. Help me to serve you today. I especially ask for the gift of gratitude. Thank you for listening to my prayers. Gotta go …
I can’t believe this traffic. Doesn’t anyone else carpool? I’m grateful that it’s Lee’s turn to drive. I can quiet down inside before I get to work …
Reading the paper, Lord, it’s hard for me to find reasons for gratitude. Still, the latest cease fire is holding. If we choose, we can vote our most disappointing representatives out of office. We’re more aware of environmental issues than when I was a kid. I know you didn’t do this, but I’m also happy the Warriors won …
Thanks for no auto accidents, no coffee spills and arriving on time. Bless my work day, Lord …
Thank you for Marion. She’s maddening to work with, but you said to give thanks in everything. Thank you that I didn’t say what I was thinking to her …
Thank you, Lord, for coffee breaks. I need to stretch my legs and check in with you briefly. I can’t go from 9 to 5 on just morning prayer. Thanks for listening to short prayers as well as long ones …
Thanks for lunch and for the medication that enables me to have a cheeseburger and fries once in a while …
I can’t believe I blew up like that! What’s the matter with me? I apologized to the others. Now I apologize to you, Lord. Help me control my temper. Thank you for loving me even when I’m being a jerk …
Okay, I’m out of here. Thank you, Lord, that I’ve got a job, even on a day like this. Please bless the things I did right and forgive the things I did wrong …
Thanks again, Lord, that I’m not driving. It gives me a chance to let go of this lousy day so I don’t take it out on my family. Thank you that no one in this car is a big talker. I’m going to lean back, close my eyes and say a rosary. If my mind wanders, poke me …
Finally, home. Lord, thank you for my noisy, messy kids, even the teenager who never wants to hug me anymore. They’re healthy, and they have good hearts. I know you love them more than I do, but I’m asking anyway. Keep them safe; keep them close to you …
Thank you for good food, and have mercy on those who are hungry. Thank you for my family, and have mercy on those who are alone. Help me to remember to be grateful day and night …
God our Father, help me be a good parent. I know my kids have probably visited websites we disapprove of when they’re at their friends’ houses. Still, I feel I need to hold the line here at home. If I’m wrong, let me know. Meanwhile, thanks for keeping me relatively calm when I’m enforcing the rules …
Oh Lord, I’m tired. I shouldn’t have stayed up for the late news. It’ll be in the paper tomorrow morning. Please help me get a good night’s sleep. Thank you for the warm body lying next to me. Thank you for my day and my loved ones. I love you. Goodnight.
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720, or e-mail: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
