Still looking for HOPE in this first week of Advent, this morning’s devotion time led me to the perfect prayer today. The prayer reminded me of the HOPE I have for myself and also for a cluster of Godly women that seem to show up individually, just when I need someone. They are women that inspire me, help guide me, and yes, sometimes just hold me (in a hug or in prayer.) They are more than friends, more like sisters. They are my sister-friends.
Each morning, I have three devotions that I read, followed by scripture to refer to from each, and then if I still have a few minutes, I pull a random book off the shelf and open to a random page, letting the Holy Spirit guide me to what is very often just what I need to read for that day. This morning, I opened the book, “Nice Girls Don’t Change the World” to page 91 (nearly the end of the book.) The prayer is exactly what I HOPE for my daughters, myself, and my sister-friends. I needed to read it this morning. I am dragging. December 9th is coming like a big dark shadow, approaching me from behind…quietly creeping, ready to pull the black heavy curtain of grief over my head and drag me under. I feel as if I am running from that shadow and today’s prayer gave me a boost to avoid the darkness for one more day.
This prayer reminds me how far I have come, how strong I want to be, and that bringing HOPE to the hopeless is the fire burning within my heart, fueled by the love for my son that needs to be placed anywhere but under that big black curtain. Whatever your situation, maybe this prayer from author Lynne Hybels will help you, too.
May we be dangerous women.
May we be women who acknowledge our power to change, and grow, and be radically alive for God.
May we be healers of wounds and righters of wrongs.
May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
May we cherish children, embrace the elderly, and empower the poor.
May we pray deeply and teach wisely.
May we be strong and gentle leaders.
May we sing songs of joy and talk down fear.
May we never hesitate to let passion push us, conviction compel us, and righteous anger energize us.
May we strike fear into all that is unjust and evil in the world.
May we dismantle abusive systems and silence lies with truth.
May we shine like stars in a darkened generation.
May we overflow with goodness in the name of God and by the power of Jesus. And in that name, and by that power, may we change the world. Amen.
danacox31 
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