I've seen this before.
Then, a couple of days ago someone sent it to me again.
I need to have the attitude that this prayer requests
(and maybe some of you do too).
Jesus said, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment"
John 7:24 NIV
Heavenly Father,
Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a
single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook
dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments
with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who
can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student,
balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting
his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same
spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions
that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the
store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment,
knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will
be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the
greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we
hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those that are close to us, but to
all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience,
empathy and love.