Prayers as reformation

I prayed this the other week and as I was sitting here I remembered it. I remember praying this prayer, and looking back over the past week I see how it's come to pass and I thank God for that! Thank you Lord for answering my prayer, and I pray it once again. I pray this because of James 1:2,3 where it says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of you faith develops perseverance."

I never understood that verse until now. I never wanted that verse to be true until now that I feel the joy that comes with the routine trials that accompany faith. I've followed Christ for almost eleven years now and I've faced trials before, but never ones that I prayed for like this. I prayed for these trials and it's drawn me closer to Christ so I indeed may live deep within my heart. Because the our idea of blessing isn't always Gods idea, and while comfort and peace is good, we must face confusion and wrestle with life to understand Christ and His sacrifice and blessing fully. I pray I may accompany you in your troubles as you have accompanied me in mine and in doing so we will be the Church Christ designed us to be! God bless you this week my brothers and sisters in Christ!

A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships

So that you may live deep within your heart


May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.


May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

To turn their pain into joy.


And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done

To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.



Amen