Fifty States of Pray -- My Christmas Eve Prayer

Merry Christmas!!!

OK, I guess technically it's Christmas EVE...  But this is still a day that has "Christmas" in the title, so I'm going to wish you a merry one!

It's also the day for the Fifty States of Pray blogging event hosted by Mark Koopmans.  I'll let Mark share his thoughts behind it:

"About two months ago, I had a random thought.  Normally, these get me into trouble, but this one sounded like a great idea:

'Why not set aside a moment to reflect on the year that was and share some hopes for the next year?'

I’m calling it the 50 States of Pray event and I’d love to find at least one person (but the more the merrier) from each U.S. state to participate.

All that’s required is to take a moment and about 100 words. Then, on Dec. 24, 2013, please share a prayer, a thought, a memory, a hope and even a regret about the past and/or a wish for the future.

Here’s my simple goal behind 50 States of Pray:

'Is there not a better time to help make the world a better place than Christmastime?'

Deep down in my heart, I truly believe someone, somewhere will absolutely benefit from your words."

I thought this sounded like a wonderful idea and so I signed up to participate, representing the state I live in -- Indiana.

Yes -- my blog is called The Creative Outlet of StratPlayer and I normally use it to share my writing, my music, other creative pursuits, and my thoughts related to those things.  So why am I choosing to take part in an event that doesn't really tie to a creative activity?  Is my blog turning religious?

No -- this is and shall remain a blog that focuses on my writing, music, and other creative outlets I have.  But I do have these two points about today's prayer posting:

• It's Christmas!  This is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, to share, to give gifts, and to express our love for those we care about.  Although I guess you could consider all the creative things I normally share with you on my blog to be a form of a gift, I think this blogging event gives me an opportunity to also share another kind of gift with you.

• I think this post IS creative -- I'm going to offer you a prayer that I've written myself.  I'm not quoting someone else or just sharing a few bible quotes with you. I've even written each nine-syllable line into an ABAB rhyme scheme -- yes, it's a prayer in poetry!  ...and just when you thought it couldn't get any verse...  :)

Anyway, I hope that at this special time of the year you will indulge me a little, and allow me to offer you this:

=====

 A Christmas Prayer

Lord, I ask for Your blessing on each,

     and every person reading this post.

I pray that Your compassion may reach,

    wherever they may need You the most.

Please heal each body and soothe each ache;

     restore broken hearts; lighten their loads;

Any heavy burden -- may You take;

     turn all their steep paths to gentle roads.

Even if they don't believe Your creed

     please share Your blessings -- this I ask still.

Provide relief, whatever their need,

     let them see Your light, Your grace, Your will.

Lord, I ask that You may bless them all,

     on this joyful, holy Christmas day.

Please show Your love, let Your favor fall

     on all who read this -- Lord, this I pray.


(All images from Wikimedia Commons)

=====

Now and throughout the year -- thank you so much for reading!  Simply by stopping by and giving me some of your valuable time, you have offered me the best gift possible, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it!

This will be my last post for 2013.  I will be around sporadically but there won't be another new blog post until my next Battle of the Bands entry on January 1st. In the meantime, please take a little time to visit the other bloggers taking part in the Fifty States of Pray blogging event -- you can click on the link HERE.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year filled with love, joy, happiness, and many glorious blessings!