A House – Remodeler’s Prayer

Dear Lord,
It’s easy to grow weary,
Easier each passing day.
So I’m asking for you Grace –
For Thou art my Strength and Stay
Lord give me grace to handle
Unfinished projects here.
And help me see, with joyfulness,
The progress over there.
Lord give me grace to cope with nails,
Compressors in the den.
When something looms before me
Help me to just begin.
When I’m handed a wet paintbrush
Lord, help me not to whine.
For you will get this project done
In your own perfect time.
Lord, help me not to grumble
When I’m doing something hard
Like hauling torn-out sheetrock
Or cleaning out the yard.
Lord give me strength to lay that floor
Or mud the yonder wall.
And when I insulate the roof
Give grace Lord! I’m not tall!
So much I’ve done and learned in past
But now I press ahead.
And when I want to look to me.
I look to you instead.
And when a family member says:
“Nothing you did today.”
When in fact I know I did.
I’ll forgive them anyway.
Our house is still a piece of work
As it is far from quaint.
But instead of the whole, I’ll focus: today.
Dear Jesus, help me paint!
Amen.


Copyright Miriam Rainwater, March 11, 2008
All rights reserved.