Conversations with God

Hello God, it’s me, Mara:

You know, Lord, occasionally one reads something that needs to be shared. Such is the case with an article by Dr. A. Purnell Bailer from his column, ‘Bread of Life,’ which he wrote February 10, 1970. Quoting from that writing: “In 1934 Reinhold Niebuhr used a pulpit prayer of which a friend asked for and kept a copy, ‘O God, give us serenity to accept what cannot be changed, courage to change what should be changed, and wisdom to distinguish the one from the other[1].’”

“The prayer has been quoted around the world. It seems to meet a deep need in many persons. It asks for a superior wisdom that only God can give. . . May the Lord give us patience with some of the brethren.

“When one visits loved ones in Rest Homes, one could certainly take that prayer to heart, Lord. Surely the patience of the most tolerant nurse or caregiver is tried to the utmost. Bless them for being willing to be used by You, Lord, those who lovingly give the residents their daily care.”

The one dwelling in a Rest Home undoubtedly needs this prayer also, as their very lives have been altered, sometimes quite suddenly. The adjustment they have had to make must be a tremendous drain on their very lives. Who can blame them for wishing and begging their loved one(s) to take them anywhere but where they are right now. Some dear ones now have minds that no longer work at what we would term “normal.” Lord, we pray that You would grant them grace and mercy and bless them, too.

For encouragement, we read Hebrews 12:1: “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Thank You Lord, for Your gifts of strength, wisdom and reassurance as we deal with life’s hard situations.

Love, Mara