" The Prayer … "

I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer when we lose our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe

Let this be our prayer ...
Just like every child ...
Give us faith so we'll be safe ...

~ Celine Dion ~ The Prayer ~

***

Ever wonder why we need to pray at all?  I mean if God already knows what we need and is in charge then what is the point?

Well, if you consider that prayers are “divinely appointed”, then we can believe that God tells us about it in His Words.  Perhaps in simpler terms, prayers can be defined as talking to God and are a means, not an end in itself ... which carries His design accomplishes His purpose.

“Faith infuses prayer with great expectancy and is a gift by which the Holy Spirit grants us spiritual sense and sensibilities. It is the opposite of wishful thinking, apprehending unseen realities ... “

We pray because we long for connection … we regain perspective in our relationship with the Divine and of our place of humility.

We pray because we want to align with God’s will ... we have the ability to lift our challenges to Him, surrender, and trust the process.

We pray because we can ... God expects to hear from us and he hears all requests.

We pray because we feel more centered ... a sense of grounded-ness and serenity results.

Personally,  I think of prayer as a conscious relationship or friendship with God.  And similar to great conversations I have had with close friends, I have had some good ones with Him.  Instead of making deals or asking for conditional wishes to be granted, I believe with my heart to let go and let God ... and praise Him for his kindness and mercy.

Hence, perhaps we pray at our deepest level because we are drawn by the bonds of love and our deepest reality ... aligning with Him and help experience a deeper well-being ॐ

" Giving … "

Giving me calm to fall into 

Giving me hope to guide me thru 

I want more I want more 

Giving me light to see thru tears 

Giving me strength to crush my fears 

I want more I want more 

Still all I need is love 

So give me more 

Giving me choice so I may seek 

Giving me faith so I'll believe 

I want more I want more 

Giving me breath of your mercy 

Giving yourself to comfort me 

I want more I want more 

Still all I need is love 

So give me more

~ Collective Soul ~ Giving ~ 

***

During the holiday season, many are frantically trying to find that special gift for the special someone.  The season of giving .  So, have you ever given any thought to the type of “giver” you are?

You may not have really thought about it.  You see we are told that Christmas is about giving and receiving.  We give to get something in return .. even if it is a thanks from recognition of having given.  So why then does holiday gift giving make us feel anxious and pressured?  Isn’t it suppose to make us happy?  After all, we are MORE blessed to give than to receive.

This time of year is usually described as time with family, religious activities, traditions, spending money, helping others and giving & receiving gifts.  And these gifts reveal the nature of the connections we have with others ... it exposes the character and the thinking of the giver.  Perhaps Christmas giving makes us anxious because it is an exchange.  Perhaps we dread receiving the bad gifts as much as giving it …

So here is an unofficial list of the type of gift-er you may recognize ...

The Genuine Giver

Someone who actually think about you and what you prefer.

The Status Hound Giver

Someone who shows their money or power by giving a costly gift that has nothing to do with the recipient.

The Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing Giver

Someone who think they are a wonderful giver but are no more genuine than the Status Hound.  Christmas is about them and will likely send a check or re-gift out of obligation.

The Power Player

Someone who manipulates the symbolic nature of the gift because they understand how gifts can cause pain, consciously or unconsciously.

The Complainer

Someone who talks endlessly about the inconveniences he or she experienced during the holiday season, especially during the acquisition of your gift (another reason there is alcohol at most parties ...).

Regardless of the “type” of giver you may connect with, giving truly is from gratitude that we have more than others.  This year, consider something different.  Volunteer at the soup kitchens, give old clothes to the thrift shops, or donate money to a local charity.  This year consider giving with the message that “you have a special place in my heart” because those are the most wonderful gifts to give and receive