My socks don’t match

My socks don’t match.  Today I wore two different gray ones.  Sometimes I just get crazy and wear a purple one and a brown one.   Unless I’m wearing shorts, I really don’t care.  

I’m sure some scientist or researcher somewhere has done a study to see how much time people spend looking for the “other” sock.  I estimate I spent at least 2-3 minutes a day searching for the matching partner.  That’s about an hour and a half a month.  A few years back, subconsciously I think I decided I was done looking and could better spend that hour and a half sleeping or some other worthwhile activity.

That’s how middle age is, I think.  Somewhere along the way you figure out what is really important to you and you are not so concerned with others.  Socks are just not that important to me.  And they know it.  That’s why they run away in the dryer.  

 

#prayforParis — but how?

Last night, my husband and I watched and learned, along with the rest of the world, about the attacks against France and the people of Paris.  I was shocked and sat in silence.

Then I got on Facebook and my news feed blew up with multiple posts about praying for Paris.  Of the many I scrolled through, there were no “prayers” for Paris, just the command to do it.  Just because many read the hashtag #prayforParis, does that really mean they will?

Exactly what does that mean?  We are so quick to say our thoughts and prayers are with the people, but how many of us (yes, I include myself) stop, then pray?

I am offering my feeble attempts of prayers for the people of Paris during this tragic time.  I’d like to share those here and maybe instead of sharing just the command to pray, people will share actual prayers.

Lord,

My heart is heavy with so many emotions for all the people of Paris, France, today.  I have to remind myself and pray You remind them of Your sovereignty.  You are our Advocate, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, the Commander of the armies of heaven, our sure Foundation, our Healer, the Prince of Peace, our Redeemer, Rescuer and our Savior, and so much more.

As the Most High King, I’m asking You to protect the people of Paris from fear and from more attacks.  Your Word says in Psalm 5 that You, Lord, let all who take refuge in You be glad and that You’ll spread our Your protection over them, so that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.  Surround Paris with Your favor as a shield.

You promised David that “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.” (Psalm 27:3)  I’m asking You do the same for Paris.  God, be the refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble for Paris.  Help them not fear.

The truth is, I don’t know what I ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself is interceding for us, in accordance with Your will God.

I know that You promised that nothing can separate us from the love of God and that if You are for us, then who can be against us? I’m praying that the people of Paris and France as a whole, know this truth and know that they can be more than conquerors through You, who love them.  [Romans 8:31-39]

In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

That is how I #prayforParis.