An angel entered my life five years ago

About five years ago, my husband was going through a rough patch and so I prayed. You know, one of those desperate, hands clasped and rocking back-and-forth prayers ending with "pleasepleaseplease...."

The kind where you bargain. Know what I mean?

It was resoundingly answered the next day.

If you ask, truly ask from your heart and not your head, you'll get your answer. You might not know it's the answer until later of course - time offers perspective.

Remember Clarence in It's a Wonderful Life? Clarence came into our lives, only his name is Jake. Probably the most ornery little terrier you'll ever meet. White with black floppy ears and silky curls, although we couldn't determine that until later as he was quite covered in filth. His little legs were wobbly and he was trying not to fall over while dodging cars in the gas station parking lot. We thought we were saving him when we scooped him up and brought him home.

 

Jake saved us.

My prayer the night before was for my husband to find happiness in his life. We kid around (but not really) that Jake was so ornery in Heaven that he lost his wings in a fight and has to earn them again. He's fulfilling his job admirably - he's the most lovable, rascally, happiness-giving little cuss you'll ever meet.

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for Jake. The road has been a little rough - it's hard opening your heart and when it's so vulnerable - but the joy he's brought has been worth every minute. His antics and his compassion are tremendous. As he gets older please treat him kindly. Help us to provide for his needs as he provides for ours. Thank you.

Majeeda Rosa

Have I forgotten how to pray?

So the question popped up in my head the other day as I sat in front of my lunch.  Normally, I would have just plowed into my food, but I'm making an effort to slow down and show some appreciation.  So there I was, me and my plate in stilted silence, like two people who've met after a long absence and with nothing really to say.  I could have said the traditional meal blessing I grew up with:

Bless us O Lord, in these Thy gifts, of which we are about to receive, through your bounty, from Christ our Lord. Amen.

It just seemed...mmm...too removed.  Not intimate.  It was a simple meal after all.  It deserved something humble yet grateful. 

I haven't said grace in a very long time, at least out loud.  Silly as it is, I'm embarrassed to say prayers - requests or gratitudes to God - in front of my husband.  He wasn't raised in a religious environment and expresses curiosity, indifference and distain at any given time.  He's very matter of fact; his experiences haven't encouraged him to have faith in anything other than dogs. 

I want to express thanks without having someone look at me funny.  The formality of a learned prayer is beautiful at the right time and place, but seems awkward in our household.

I decided I would create my own everyday prayers.  Prayers that address anything I might come across in my life.  Expressing appreciation and gratitude.  Asking for help or direction.  Whatever shape it takes.  Thanksgiving week seemed particularly appropriate to begin.  My gift to you as well as myself:

Lord, on this day in which we gather to give thanks, we are blessed by this meal.  We're grateful for the sustenance you've provided in our lives and our ability to savor and share it with friends and family.  Help us remember and appreciate the effort of all who've worked hard to bring us this meal and many meals to come.  Thank you.

And thank YOU.