In the Spring:  Seven Days Ahead

Eternal God, Maker of the world which was very good, help us to think through again what it means to be responsible for the world when the spring is here and the beauty of the earth is dramatized in the miracles of new life.

Help us to see the week which lies before us awaiting our response.  Seven untouched days for laughing and singing; seven untarnished days for tasting the good things of life and being joyful; seven good days for being our brother’s keeper; seven unused days for telling others in understandable ways that we love them; seven unbiased days for thinking new ideas and making important decisions; seven undefiled days for praying for peace and working for justice.

You know what we fear, that unless something happens within us it will be another week just like the last one, filled with good intentions which died at birth.  We will get upset with the same children, or parents, or whoever it was, and for some of the same petty reasons.  We will waste hours and money in foolish and idle pursuits.  We will make little or no progress toward goals which we know are important.

Save us, O Christ, from unnecessary and costly repetition.  Break into our circular and routine week with the thrill of something new and exciting which will mean a new spirit and contagious joy.  Give us new form for our relationships of life.  Give us a new interest in our studies, a new faith in our possibilities.  Give us new direction for our play and pleasure.  Give us new words and great and deeper meaning in our prayers.

And Father, let us not forget those for whom life is without hope unless we help.  There are those who need us, in our families, in the church, and outside the church.  Grant that the week ahead may find us finding Christ in new ways.

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