My father and his three brothers proudly served in World War II. They gave five years of their young lives for our Country. However, unlike many other young soldiers from the Greatest Generation, all four brothers returned home to love, have families, and live out their dreams. The following prayer is not mine. Elma Dean wrote it, entitled “Letter to St. Peter.” John Gorka adapted it in his heartfelt song “Let Them In.” God bless all soldiers – those who did not come home and those who lived long lives with the memories of what they had experienced – all to preserve our freedom.

Jack Sr., Jack Jr.(my father), Hewett, Jennie, Robert and Donald.

Prayer to St. Peter

by Elma Dean
Let them in, Peter, they are very tired
Give them couches where the angels sleep, and light those fires
Let them wake whole again, to brand new dawns

Fired by the sun not wartime’s bloody guns
May their peace be deep, remember where the broken bodies lie
God knows how young they were to have to die
God knows how young they were to have to die
So give them things they like, let them make some noise
Give dance hall bands not golden harps, to these our boys
And let them love, Peter. For they’ve had no time,
They should have trees and bird songs and hills to climb
The taste of summer, in a ripened pear,
And girls sweet as meadow wind, with flowing hair
And tell them how they are missed, but say not to fear
It’s gonna be alright, with us down here. Amen.

John Gorka – Let Them In – YouTube John Gorka – Let Them In – YouTube

On the Same Road

We are special in the eyes of Christ.
We are all different.
Whether walking on two tiny feet
Whether on four wheels.
Very young or
Not an infant any more.
We are all  on the same path to the Father.
We are all going home.

May our steps
Beat in the rhythm of angel wings
As we share
Heavenly moments on Earth.

Peace
Jack

Heavenly Father,

I am so weary and exhausted. Nothing I do or say seems to satisfy my spouse. I pray that You help him/her understand and appreciate all I am doing to make our marriage work for both of us. Please renew my strength to face the problems in our relationship. Repairing our blessed union is our cross to bear. In Your mercy please give us both the strength to address our weighty problems and to resolve them to Your honor and glory.
Amen

Heavenly Father-My thanks overflows like Your everlasting love and life for your faithful servants. I am so blessed by the birth, death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. For because of Him, I will never have to say goodbye to one I love for the last time. Amen

Almighty Father, my spouse said something which I have not been able to forget or forgive. My spouse has apologized and requested forgiveness.  Please silence the bitterness in me for a wrong that should have been forgiven long ago. Because You forgave Mankind for our sins, I pray You can show me the way to forgive my spouse and others. Amen

Note: this prayer is not in the volume, Prayerful Passages.

Almighty Father, I am struggling with the complexities of daily living. I have so many possessions and electronic devices that call out to me for attention. I find myself spending less and less time with my spouse and our child/children.  In daily prayer, please help me to do the simple and loving things each day:  to take time to pray; to say ‘I love you’; to hug my spouse; to hold hands. Help me, Heavenly Father, to do such generous, uncomplicated actions in my walk of faith to You. Amen

Note: this prayer is not in the volume, Prayerful Passages.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the strengths You have bestowed on me.  Admittedly, I have many weaknesses which have hurt my marriage. Please help me to turn away from the temptation to do things which will hurt my spouse and harm our relationship. In my refusal to yield to temptation, may we both experience greater happiness in our marriage.  May we remember that this will please You and Your Blessed Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Note: this prayer is not in the volume, Prayerful Passages.

Heavenly Father, when I am living each day of the blessed life You have given me, I am often overwhelmed by feelings of resentment.  These bitter feelings are as close to me as the clothes I wear. Resentment separates me from my spouse and others who need my mindful, loving presence.  God, in Your mercy, please help me to give up my resentments and heal through your generous grace.  In that way, may I love my spouse and others more deeply and be more present to serve them in the glory of Your name. Amen

Note: this prayer is not in the volume, Prayerful Passages.