This week one of our studies focused on the best friend that we have -- our Lord Jesus. In closing this week of study, I wanted to share one of my favorite old hymns with you.
I found this prayer in a church newsletter that I receive each week, and I found it inspiring. It is attributed to a Mary Stewart, of Ohio, over one hundred years ago.
Keep us, O God, from all pettiness. Let us be large in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off all self-seeking. May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face, without self pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgment, and always be generous. Let us always take time for all things, and make us to grow calm, serene and gentle. Teach us to put into action our better impulses, to be straightforward and unafraid. Grant that we may realize that it is the little things of life that create differences, that in the big things of life, we are as one. And, O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind! Amen.
I know that women of many denominations read and study with us, and for many of them, the season of Lent is beginning. Whether or not you follow any of the varied Lenten traditions is not important; we all can profit from a time of thoughtfulness, of quiet inspection, and of repentance.
Thanks for sharing part of your day with me, each day this week. Blessings and hugs to you!
I never sing or hear that song, that I don't remember my childhood. My mother attended a tiny little country church that held services only once a month or so. This was because there were only a small number of members who attended, and I mean small...6? 8? We always sang the same songs, because the young man who played the piano could only play a few songs. What a Friend was one of them. My Mom would take us with her and sit us down in the old fashioned, uncomfortable board pew, and we would sing three songs before the speaker (not a pastor or preacher) would commence. He was usually a local judge who was a member of another church in our denomination.
ReplyDeleteIt was not fun for a young child to sit through that, and not have any other children to play with or visit with other than siblings, but when I look back now, it's a treasured memory. That church building has been gone for several years now, but what I wouldn't give to be able to sit in one of those pews again, and talk to my Friend.
I've never followed lent, but I agree we all need times of Spiritual renewal. A retreat from everyday life to treat our heart. I need to do this.
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