by Shirlee Vandegrift

Kind and Giving Father,

We are a country based on Your principles. The beginning words of the Declaration of Independence includes the sentence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Oh, merciful Father, how many prayers have been prayed so that we could enjoy freedom? How many prayers from around the world are raised for the same things our forefathers desired? We thank you for the gift of freedom that you have bestowed upon us.

Recently my children gave me a gift that brought tears to my eyes. It was unexpected, costly, and oh, so exciting–almost as exciting as the dog I received for Christmas when I was 11. But it could never, or would never, surpass the gifts You have given and continue to give to us, Your children: Faith, hope and love, in addition to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. You give grace and mercy and You give freedom.

Dearest Lord, we are humbled by Your generosity. Please help us use our blessings and not hoard or hide them, thereby denying those who need Your touch the most.

There is so much to talk to you about Father, and never enough time for it all. Hear our silent prayers. We want to keep our faith, worship You always, and spread the Word.

Amem

About the Author: Shirlee is one of our senior adults at Elmbrook Chruch. She was moved to commit her life to Jesus at age 65 and since then has come to have such a deep relationship with Jesus and a dynamic prayer life. Reading her prayers will produce in you a yearning to pray–to know the Father Shirlee has come to know during this decade of her life from ages 65 to 75. The prayer above is one that was published in a compliation of prayers and devotions that Shirlee wrote entitled, “A Month of Sundays.”