Prayer for today (9/4/15)

At times, God, this wilderness journey I call life becomes long and hard. There are stones in the road and mountains to climb. There are paths that seem to go on forever, leading nowhere.

And then there is the baggage I am carrying with me ... heavy, cumbersome, oppressive, more burden than I can possibly haul around. How will I make this journey? Where will I find the strength to walk such rough roads and climb such steep pathways?

God of my long journey, where will I find streams of life-giving water in the desert? When will I make peace with the past and open my spirit to healing grace? When will I pick myself up from the dusty roadside and walk on to better days? When will my mourning turn to music?

Walk beside me when I must travel rough patches, God. Lead me in sunshine and in shadow. When my aloneness disheartens me, give me companions and friends. Fill my soul with hope’s music and give me the heart to sing. Amen.

Readers -- ministers, rabbis, priests and laypersons alike are invited to contribute prayers to this daily feature. Mail them to “Prayer,” The Telegraph, P.O. Box 4167, Macon, GA 31213; or fax to (478) 744-4385; or email letters@macon.com.