It has taken me a while to figure out what I need to do with the blog during Lent. Last night an idea woke me up from a form of sleep and I had to smile at the ceiling. The answer is simple, and one that actually helps me: Prayers. Prayer is essential to observing Lent and I am ashamed to say that when the pain is as bad as it has been I do not pray as I should. Since the weather is going to change again within the next 24 hours, it is a good idea I do something positive – remember about not being caught flat-footed this time – and still be able to observe as many Lenten practices as possible. Some of the prayers will be short ones of mine and many will be from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. I feel the need to say: not all posts will be prayers. There is too much that catches my eye in the world to write about, as well as life in general for non-Lenten posts to exist. It is, in many ways, my job to share aspects of life some people may never see or think of quite like the way I see them. Sometimes it is the difference in views and observances of an event that lets you see more of the complete event. This is one reason why policemen ask as many “witnesses” as possible about a crime or an event – it is just easier to discover the expanse of the happening with the more views you have; although sometimes it is difficult to wade through all the information to arrive at the truth, or as close to the truth as they, and we, can. One current big example of this is the missing Boeing 777, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Because of the missing plane and so many people, here is the first prayer:
A PRAYER OF PARENTS FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND FOR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS
O God, our heavenly Father, who lovest mankind, and art most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon thy servants (Name those whom you wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray thee, and commend to Thy gracious care and protection. Be thou, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of they truth, and draw them nearer to thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in thy love and fear; doing thy will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, through the merits of thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the intercessions of His Holy Mother and thy blessed saints. Amen.
Tagged: Arthritis, Eastern Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Flight 370, Lent, Malaysian missing plane, missing plane, news, Orthodox, Pain, prayers, praying, writing 
