Jitterbugging for Jesus

I’ve modified it to the first person as a sort of prayer guide for you to name out loud, or to write down the names of people, who have helped, supported, loved and blessed you in your life journey–and those who continue to boost you.

And you can do this because prayer is simple, really; even a child can do it; so just do it.

We’ve all been helped and supported along the way by a lot of other people, and some are special to us because of their extra boosterism on our behalf. There’s no such thing as “a self-made” man or woman. No man or woman can possibly be “an island,” isolated from the rest of the world without any need for others.

So name the names of those you wish to pray for and bless. For in blessing and praying for others, you pray for and bless yourself as well–and you bless God Himself/Herself.

And God feels your love.

Almighty and ever-living God, I bring you thanks for your love manifested and shared in my life . . . .

For those who have been a good example to me,

and in their life showed me what life ought to be.

[Say or write names here . . . taking time to really bless them in your thoughts.]

* * * *

For those who have been an inspiration to me,

and have filled me with the desire to make of life a nobler thing.

[Name the persons who believed in you and spurred you on; think about how they did that and how you might be an inspiration to someone to a “nobler” life.]

* * * *

For those who have been a comfort to me,

especially when I experienced hurt, pain and anxiety.

[Name names . . . wrapping them in the greatest measure of your love and appreciation.]

* * * *

For those who have been a strength to me,

in whose company I am enabled to undertake great tasks.

[Names here . . . those who may see strength and abilities within yourself that you didn’t even know you had.]

* * * *

For those who have influenced me for good by their works, writings and words.

[Who are those who you carry within your heart and mind and soul as a result of the wonderful influence they’ve had on you? Say their name or write it and lift that person up to God in this prayer and blessing.]

* * * *

For those whose love, care, service and understanding I have taken for granted, receive now my thanks, O Lord.

[We all take the love and care of others for granted–a lot of people we take for granted. Who might those be in your life?]

* * * *

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer,

Amen.