My father was a Presbyterian minister for over 20 years. On July 7, 1992, my father suffered a massive heart attack and spent the next week in ICU until his passing on July 13, 1992. At some point during this week, someone found the following prayer that was still in my father’s typewriter. This is a prayer of confession that is normally read in unison during a Presbyterian service. When life is too busy for my liking, I try to remember this prayer. I consider this prayer to be my father’s parting advice and a fitting tribute to him on Father’s Day.
It took him 54 years to realize the lesson in this prayer. It is comforting to know that he finally “Got It”. For those that may wonder why I live my life the way I do, maybe this will provide a little insight. Make it a great week and take time to slow down a little and reflect.
Eternal God our Lord:
We confess that we so often serve a false god named Work.
We race around, always busy, frantically trying to complete every single task, with never enough time to do it all.
We fall exhausted into bed at night, not ever sure where our heads are, and therefore not quite sure where You are either.
Forgive our enslavement to busyness, O’ Lord. Let your peace and grace cover us like a soft blanket.
Remind us that we are not saved by our own efforts, no matter how diligent, and that You have put control of all things under the feet of Jesus Christ, Whose life and work have saved us all.
In His name we pray,
AMEN
Jim Durden
1938 – 1992
A prayer written for his congregation to have been delivered on the twelfth day of July, nineteen hundred and ninety-two.