Hump Day Prayer

Dear Lord, we pray for those for whom this is still "hump day"---a normal Wednesday in their work week---because they still have to work long hours in spite of the Thanksgiving holiday. 

We pray that you help us gain perspective about our culture in which we do, indeed, demand services and shopping opportunities on days that could and should be days of gratitude.  (I, too, O Lord, love to shop.) 

We pray for safe travels for those making journeys over this weekend. Just now, the morning news reporters said that about 39 million Americans will be traveling. Help each one and help each one reach his/her destination in safety and at least relative comfort. 

We ask your blessings upon families and friends gathered for Thanksgiving. Help us all gain and grow feelings of happiness, contentment, and gratitude.  

We ask your blessings upon those who have lost family members (as is the case with our family), those who are hospitalized this week, and those who otherwise will find this week a difficult time.  

An old postcard 

We raise to you specific sorrows in our hearts................ and we name specific requests for ourselves.............. and for others.................. We ask for your help for this situations in our nation and world.......................

Especially when we're blue and struggling because of the holidays and various problems, help us to cling to the truth of the religious doctrines in which we believe. Thereby, may we learn anew that the deepest truths of our lives are beautiful, hopeful, and beneficial because they come from you, O Lord, and from your love that will not let us go.

As we strive for consistent gratitude in our feelings and attitudes, we give you praise for your kindness, patience, and generosity toward us. In your holy name. Amen.

(The idea of "Hump Day Prayers" came from my college friend's blog "Le Padre Ver Livre," http://jimkane.wordpress.com.)