Monday, January 9, 2017

As may be best for us...

Sometimes it's hard to pray, especially when you think you know what someone needs and what would satisfy that need. Between my adult children whom I worry about all the time, and friends struggling with various issues, sometimes I sit helplessly in front of my prayer journal, unable to come up with cohesive thoughts and pleas.
I heard a prayer in church last week written by St. Chrysostom:

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

"As may be best for us..."

That, in my mind, sums up the ultimate prayer of faith. Who am I to surmise that I know what's best for my friends, family members, even myself? I can look back at my life and see many times when I thought I knew what was best, and God gave me something different. In hindsight I know why... He knew what was best for me when I couldn't see past my own hurts and wants.

There was a time when I thought I knew all the answers to every situation, when I knew all the "right" things to pray. These days I find myself returning again and again to prayers that resemble St. Chrysostom's: "as may be best for us," more aware than ever that I don't always know what's best, even for myself. 

My prayer for you, for all of you, is that God would fulfill your desires and petitions as may be best for you. 

Blessings!
Niki

Niki Turner is a novelist, journalist, blogger, and the owner and editor of the Rio Blanco Herald Times weekly newspaper, one of the oldest continuously operating newspapers in Colorado.She is a co-blogger at www.inkwellinspirations.com, and president of her local ACFW chapter. Niki is a Colorado native who grew up in Glenwood Springs—home of the world’s largest hot springs pool. She married her high school sweetheart 26 years ago. They have four children, four grandchildren, and two West Highland White Terriers who are kind enough to take them for long walks.You can find all her new releases at www.nikiturner.net under BOOKS.


Posted by at
Labels: ,

4 comments:

  1. Debra E. MarvinJanuary 9, 2017 at 11:35 AM

    We certainly have a year of uncertainty ahead of us, in a way I haven't seen before. THanks for your wise words!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Niki TurnerJanuary 9, 2017 at 11:54 AM

      You're so right. This would be a good prayer to pray for our whole country.

      Delete
  2. DeAnna Julie DodsonJanuary 9, 2017 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks for these wise words.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Susanne DietzeJanuary 16, 2017 at 9:03 PM

    Love this prayer. Thank you, Niki!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Share This Post

How Our Giveaways Work: The Official Rules

We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Pinterest