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2004 Sowing Seeds Writing Contest Winner: Prayer "Stop!" by Carol Sanger" of Blackstone, Virginia
You are there waiting for me, Lord. I am trying to get to you. But first I have to call a friend to check on her illness and then I have that finance committee meeting at church and then I cannot forget choir practice. That Christmas cantata is just a few weeks away…but I am coming to you, Lord. I have so much of your work to do—things you need me to do—things for your kingdom here on earth. Are you pleased with me for all I am doing for you? Did I hear you say, “Yes, but…?” What else can you want? I have little time for me these days. I “do” for others in Your name! You shouldn’t have to qualify your “yes” to me! You say there is something else I need to do. What, pray tell?! Isn’t my life filled with serving you? You want me to stop. Stop, what? “Just stop.” “You mean quit visiting the sick?” “No. Just stop.” "You mean I shouldn’t work with the youth group anymore?” “No. Just stop. Sit down.” “But I can’t get everything done for you today if I take time to sit down!” “Sit and rest.” “You mean like sit and put my feet up in the Lazy Boy recliner?” “Sit and rest…in me.” “But, Lord, how can that help get it all done? I don’t get it.” “My child, I want to spend time with you. Sit quietly and breathe. Think of me. Imagine we are walking together in the evening breeze in the garden or sitting quietly on the porch swing together. I know you and your granddaddy spent many wonderful hours just sitting together on his porch swing. I want that time with you, too. We’ll just sit and swing and enjoy each others’ company for a while. We’ll both be better for it.” Lord, my Lord, where have I been and what was I thinking? Always rushing toward your work, but not taking time to be filled by your presence, your strength, and your peace. I’ll sit, close my eyes, and open my mind and soul. Fill me with what your have for me. I will wait and breathe in your fragrance. I will wait until… You will let me know what is next…when you are ready and when you think I am. Thank you for your patience and persistence with me, my dearest Friend. I’m still learning. You can email encouragement to Carol at carolsanger@vaumc.org -----------------------------------------
Honorable Mention Prayers "Graduation Prayer" by Autherine Allison of East Elmhurst, New York "Got A Minute?" by Jeannie M. Ferrara of Palm City, Florida For information on our 2005 Writing Contest, please click here. |