"Focus on the Positives"

A dear friend at church prayed this prayer last Sunday.  It really struck a chord with me.

Heavenly Father,

You are amazing, powerful and loving.  You created each one of us unique; the proof of which is in our fingerprints.  Distinct, one-of-a-kind us.  You've loved us while we were in the womb and continue to guide us each day.  Lord, in this fallen world we sometimes lose hope, lose faith, are lost or taken down the wrong path.  Failure, Death, Pain, Worry, Fear; all are present in this world.  We sometimes ask you "why" and are upset when there is no answer.  Lord, in those times we ask you for strength, for courage, and to keep on keeping on despite not knowing why.

Lord, we ask you to comfort us in times when we are weak, to be our support.  Lord we also thank you for acting through those around us.  For your light shines brightly through the people in this place by acts of kindness and compassion.

Lord, we pray that we treat others the way we would like to be treated, and above all love and trust in  you.  As Jesus knows, this world - this life is not easy and in this life we will have trouble.  But we know that you have overcome the world and we put our faith in you.

Lord we thank you for the good around us, for new beginnings, the simple joys in life..... hot coffee or cocoa on a cold morning, a smile on a child's face, a hug from a friend, laughter in the park.

Lord, I pray that you help us focus on the positives in life, for that is where you live.  Not in the underbelly of pain and darkness, but in the light.  Help us overcome the dark with bright sunshine.  You are amazing and all powerful.  Thank you for your unfailing love.

Amen.