bloodteethandflame

When I first moved south – nearing twenty years ago! – one of the first people I met was a wonderful woman named T. Her daughter was almost the same age as my son, and though that’s where our similarities ended, T was a great neighbor, who went out of her way to introduce me to others, and make me feel welcome in my new neighborhood.

But as I said, T and I didn’t have that much in common.

For one thing, T was a Christian; a devout Baptist to be exact…and well, as you may know, I most certainly am not — but it did not stop us from (mostly) getting along. And as you might imagine, in the interest of neighborliness, T did invite me to various church events.

And in the interest of friendliness in return, I went to many of those church events with her.

And, as a result, I was introduced to many aspects of this particular form of Christianity that I’d never experienced, and while I’d like to stress that T was well aware that I’d no intention of converting, I realized very quickly that T was like a lot of my neighbors: her social life/community did revolve around the church on a daily basis.

So that is what I’m thinking of today, how T introduced me to a particular daily prayer that she referred to as ‘a war room prayer’ – a form of prayer that she told me is rather familiar to many Baptists.

I find war room prayers fascinating.

So, would it surprise you that I would find myself reworking it?

And so:

“Loki, thank you for this day.

Thank you for the breath in my lungs, the flush in my skin, and the ground beneath my feet. 

I am grateful for Your gifts and Your challenges.

Thank you, sweetest friend, for Your love and wisdom that brings me comfort and strength in times of despair.

The Havamal says: ‘The unwise man lies awake at night and ponders everything over; when morning comes, he is weary in mind, and all is a burden for ever.’

In this, You remind me how I should not be anxious for tomorrow; for when morning comes, I would be as weary and anxious as ever.

 Beloved, come – quiet my heart and mind. Free me from the chains of doubt and anxiety.

Grant me a peaceful rest so that I may be refreshed in spirit for You tomorrow.

Thank You.”

~~~

Hail Loki! ❤