Sarah Geringer's Blog, page 89

Prayer for Peace in Extended Family

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

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Published on December 23, 2016 03:00

A Prayer for Christmas Hope

Prince of Peace,

You are hope

inside a virgin’s womb

miraculous

mysterious

marvelous.

You are hope

in a baby’s first smile

irresistible

inviting

winsome.

You are hope

in desert journeys

obscure years

oppressed times.

You are hope

in transformed water

multiplied loaves

healed bodies.

You are hope

in broken hearts

rejected

outcast

wayward.

You are hope

when critics threaten

friends run away

and darkness draws near.

You are hope

when afternoon skies darken

earthquakes shake

and thick curtains tear.

You are hope

inside a sealed grave

pierced

punctured

preserved.

You are hope

against all hope

in a morning garden

risen

resurrected

revealed.

This Christmas

You are my hope

in dormant branches

frozen ground

barren fields.

You are my hope

in this broken family

this weary body

this distressed heart.

You are my glorious hope

in the solstice sunrise:

ribbons of purple

magenta

orange

vivid against clinging darkness

with light triumphant.

Join me through December 23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like these other prayers in the series:

Prayer for Christmas Surrender

Prayer for Christmas Joy

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

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Published on December 22, 2016 03:29

5 Ways to Gain Last-Minute Christmas Peace

Hi friends,

Visit this link for my first-ever guest post! Sandy Kreps at Modern Simplicity has featured me, and I feel so humbled and blessed.

You’ll find 5 ways to gain last-minute Christmas peace there. If you want to read my interview with Sandy for the Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study, visit this link.

And since I was out of commission yesterday and couldn’t post due to a sweeping sickness, I’m going to add my poem-prayer intended for yesterday here.

Enjoy, dear friends! Merry Christmas to you!

Prayer for Peaceful Priorities

Peaceful Preparation

Prince of Peace,

I confess to you

I often put my health last

on my priority list.

Remind me I am

your dwelling place

and my body

is your temple.

This Christmas make me new

before I pack on weight

and exhaust myenergy

to begin the new year broken.

Give me quality sleep tonight

to restore my body and mind

to better health.

Help me recognize my body’s signals

to lay aside the abounding tasks

and heed the call for sleep.

Even on the coldest, busiest day

take my hand as I exercise

working off

calories

frustrations

toxins

while gaining

energy

strength

and a positive outlook.

Prick my spirit

when I am sitting

still too long.

Draw me closer to you

in my prayer walks.

Let my walks be source of comfort

in these stressful days.

Set a guard at my mouth

against too many rich foods

and help me balance my plate

with healthy choices.

Help me savor

delicious flavors

of the holiday feasts

in smaller portions.

Show me how to use

the food in my pantry

before I call

for salty, fatty takeout.

I pray that my eating habits

will bring you glory.

May all my efforts

toward better health

this busy December

produce a harvest of peace

I can share with others.

This poem-prayer was based on a chapter in my book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms. See the online Bible study entry for Peaceful Preparation also.

Join me through December 23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like these other prayers in the series:

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share on social media, using the buttons below!

This post will be linked up at #tellhisstory, #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, #tuestalk, #coffeeforyourheart, and #wisewomanlinkup. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on December 21, 2016 04:26

Prayer for Peaceful Days

Peaceful First Light

Prince of Peace,

in this final week before Christmas

help us set our daily rhythms

according to your heartbeat.

Help us begin our days with hope

as the sun rises in these dark mornings.

Remind us to seek your face first

before caffeine

before technology

before rushing.

In the full-steam forward

of mid-morning

help us sort through our lists

asking you for help

to complete all our tasks.

In the mid-afternoon lull

call us to your side

through a song, a verse, a devotion

we take in on our lunch breaks.

Let your word spark joy

in these busy December days.

As evening approaches

with abounding activity

grant us your strength

to power through.

At ballgames

concerts

parties

and worship services

appoint us as your ambassadors

of Christmas peace.

When we lay down to rest

weary and heavy-laden

fold us in your embrace

and help us remember

all your daily goodness

with thanksgiving.

Help us find rest

in your quiet presence.

This poem-prayer was based on several chapters in my book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms. See the online Bible study entry for Peace in My Day also.

Join me through December 23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like other prayers in the series:

Prayer for Peaceful Memories

Prayer for Peace in Extended Family

Prayer for Peace that Overflows

Prayer of Christmas Surrender

Prayer for Christmas Joy

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share on social media, using the buttons below!

This post will be linked up at #mondaymusings, #smallwonder, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, #mommymoments, #inspirememonday, and #soulsurvival. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on December 19, 2016 04:08

Prince of Peace,

Your joy rises like a spring

of life-giving water

on these weary winter mornings.

I gather more wood for the fire

gone cold in the night

and your joy catches flame

bringing warmth to all.

Your joy blooms bright

like my Christmas cactus

in red, magenta, white, champagne

needing these long, dark days

to stimulate its beauty.

Your joy soothes my sore

insides, as I sip hot tea

and read Revelation.

Saints dressed in white

wave palm branches and sing praises

to you on a glorious throne:

a glimpse of eternal Easter

to which all our joy points.

As the sun rises slow

and you paint the sky with color

I think of those saints now

resting in your perfect peace

where no sorrows can touch

and I remember

you are preparing a place for me.

As the winter world awakens

cardinals burst from thickets

their red coats bright sparks

of pure joy

against the dormant woods.

I praise you

for sprinkling joy all around me

and I ask for your Spirit

to open my eyes

to bright threads of joy

woven through all my days.

This poem-prayer was based on several chapters in my book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms.

Join me through December 23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like these other prayers in the series:

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share on social media, using the buttons below!

This post will be linked up at #dancewithjesus, #freshmarketfriday, #countingmyblessings, #graceandtruth, and #fridayfive. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on December 16, 2016 03:40

A Prayer of Christmas Surrender

Peace with God

Prince of Peace,

You are my shield

my sword

and my defender.

Even though I trace the wounds

from so many Christmas battles,

today I lay down

my time-worn fight

and surrender to you.

I trust in you

to shield me

from hurtful comments

ugly outbursts

and painful jabs.

I trust in your Spirit

as a two-edged sword

with truth penetrating

deeper

than my own words.

I trust you to stand

in my defense

so I don’t have to explain

justify

or cower

anymore.

I surrender to you my internal battles:

fear

perfection

condemnation.

I surrender to you my external battles:

past wounds

current brokenness

future uncertainty.

Only in you

my Prince of Peace

I find peace which passes

all understanding.

In the safety of your arms

I am quieted like a little child,

depending on you

for comfort

provision

security.

In the strength of your Spirit

I rise up like an eagle

flying free

over the storm clouds

glimpsing the Bethlehem star

on the horizon.

Peace with Myself

This poem-prayer was based on several chapters in my book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms. See the online Bible study entries for Peace with God and Peace with Myself also.

Join me through December 23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like these other prayers in the series:

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share on social media, using the buttons below!

This post will be linked up at #livefreethursday,#heartencouragement, and #thoughtprovokingthursday. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on December 15, 2016 03:40

A Prayer for Peace that Overflows

Prince of Peace,

Overflow my heart

with your perfect peace

that I may share it

in all my surroundings

starting at home:

with peaceful words and actions

to my husband and children.

In clean rooms

sweet scents

warm dinners

fresh cookies

and reassuring hugs

let your peace overflow

through my hands.

Overflow my heart

with your perfect peace

that I may share it at church:

with handshakes and smiles

kind words

and a listening ear.

Fill my heart with gratitude

for the efforts of all the staff

to provide teaching

guidance

and thoughtful services.

Overflow my heart

with your perfect peace

that I may share it at the market:

when a cashier is weary

when a waitress is distracted

when a clerk is rushed

when a fellow customer is rude.

Help me grant them your grace

along with your peace.

Overflow my heart

with your perfect peace

that I may share it at parties:

with the big-talkers

noise-makers

self-promoters

wallflowers

heavy drinkers.

Help me listen for their hearts

under the bravado

so I can usher your peace in.

Overflow my heart

with your perfect peace

that I may share it during travel:

with the speeders

slow pokes

harried

hurried

and forgotten.

Open my eyes to places

crying out for your peace.

In all my surroundings

let your peace overflow

from my heart

this Christmas season.

This poem-prayer was based on several chapters in my book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms. See the online Bible study entries for Peace in my Home, Peace at Church, Peace in the Marketplace/Parties, and Peaceful Travel also.

Join me through December 23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like these other prayers in the series:

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share on social media, using the buttons below!

This post will be linked up at #coffeeforyourheart and #wisewomanlinkup. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on December 14, 2016 03:00

A Prayer for Peace in Extended Family

Peace in my Extended Family

Prince of Peace,

Only with your help

will this Christmas be different

in my extended family gatherings.

Teach me peacemaking

to replace my peace-stealing

this year.

Prince of Peace, I take comfort

knowing your family rejected

and misunderstood you,

not appreciating

the scope of your purpose.

I take comfort

knowing many came back to you

in the end.

I take comfort knowing

you did not chase after them

but you let them go

and didn’t look back.

You called everyone who followed you

your mother and brothers.

That includes me

so many years later.

This Christmas

may not be meant

for rebuilding

or reconciliation

in my family.

But you will fill me

with your perfect peace

which passes all understanding

so I may gift it

in the empty spaces

battle zones

and time-worn pathways.

Set a guard on my lips

and my heart, Lord.

Help me weigh my choices:

a few minutes of listening

a few hours of forgetting past hurts

a few days of overlooking wrongs

in exchange for peace.

Give me the gifts of self-control

gentleness

kindness

patience

and brotherly love

so they will overflow

onto those

who share my name

or share my genes.

Send your Spirit

to show me opening

windows and doors

to give me awareness

of peace-seeking

to grant me insight

into healing paths.

Prince of Peace, you are

my Star of David,

my guiding light through

past wounds and deep brokenness

and my northbound hope

toward peaceful days

to come.

This poem-prayer was based on a chapter in my book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms. See the online Bible study entry for Peace in my Extended Family also.

Join me through December 23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like these other prayers in the series:

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share on social media, using the buttons below!

This post will be linked up at #tellhisstory, #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, and #tuestalk. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on December 13, 2016 03:00

A Prayer for Peaceful Memories

Peace in my Marriage

Prince of Peace,

I invite you into my family’s Christmas memory making:

songs and silly stories

decorating and dressing-up

baking and feasting

picture-posing and game playing

wrapping and unwrapping.

I thank you for the gift

of my husband.

I invite you

into our holiday date nights:

holding mittened hands

browsing downtown store windows

sharing sweet forkfuls

gazing at twinkling lights

snuggling under warm covers.

I thank you for the gift

of my children.

I invite you

into our special Christmas moments:

opening Advent calendars

reading stories

admiring light displays

watching Christmas specials

sharing hot cocoa.

Prince of Peace,

may the memories we build now

be perfect treasures

in heaven someday.

May we see them as golden threads

in beautiful tapestries

woven together

with love, hope, and peace.

May they be offerings

of thanksgiving

for your marvelous gift

of family.

Peace with my Children

This poem-prayer was based on several chapters in my book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms. See the online Bible study entry for Peace in my Marriage and Peace with my Children also.

Join me through December 23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like these other prayers in the series:

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share on social media, using the buttons below!

This post will be linked up at #mondaymusings, #momentsofhope, #mommymoments, #inspirememonday, and #soulsurvival. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on December 12, 2016 03:00

A Prayer for Peaceful Expectations

Peaceful Expectations

Prince of Peace,

In my Pinterest world

I pin and post in preparation for perfection.

In my conflict-laced world

I skate on the surface of denial.

In my Grinch-threatened world

I bury my dreams inside disillusion.

But I can’t stop longing

for a peaceful Christmas.

In past seasons of outrageous expectations

I expected much from myself

much from my family

much from everyone.

And much was expected of me.

Disappointment loomed.

People-pleasing ran me ragged.

The right gifts

perfect attendance

pasted-on smiles

never produced peace

but increased frustration.

Your Word and your people

taught me to expect less.

To grant myself grace

widen berth between family members

and seek your Spirit’s guidance.

Now I expect some brokenness

some conflict

some disappointment.

Leaving room for a little hurt

opens up wide spaces

for Christmas peace.

I find peace by seeking you first

by caring for myself

by serving my husband and children.

All other requests can wait.

I set my expectations

down at your feet

and settle my heart

in your peace and hope.

Join me December 6-23, 2016 for a series of Christmas Prayers.

You may like these other prayers in the series:

Looking for more Christmas peace? Check out my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit this link to access the online Bible study.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share on social media, using the buttons below!

This post will be linked up at #dancewithjesus, #countingmyblessings, #freshmarketfriday, #graceandtruth, and #fridayfive. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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