The great Power behind you

Etsy

I watched Good Morning America the other morning ... something I don't often do, and happened to catch the final appearance (for a while) of anchor Robin Roberts before she begins treatment for MDS. It was heartwarming and emotional and I was struck with her grace and poise and positive attitude in the light of the hard road she has ahead of her. I was also impressed with the incredible support she has from her family, her friends and her co-workers. She and her co-anchors were all wearing bracelets that were designed with the colors of spring to represent the new life her bone marrow transplant will give her, her initials (RRR) and four words that represent the prayer that she prays each morning. I don't know where I have been but I did not know this prayer. It is part of a poem that was written by James Dillet Freeman in WWII for all soldiers and is called The Prayer for Protection. The four words on the bracelet are: Light, Love, Power and Presence. I love that she was open with her faith in the power of God to bring her through this difficult journey she is on.

The LIGHT of God surrounds me.
"You, LORD, keep my lamp burning;
 my God turns my darkness into light." - Psalm 18:28
The LOVE of God enfolds me.
"When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
 your unfailing love, LORD, supported me." - Psalm 94:18

The POWER of God protects me. 
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7
The PRESENCE of God watches over me.
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge..."  - Psalm 91:4
Wherever I am, GOD IS.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." -Psalm 139:7-12

The poem by Freeman was actually longer ... here it is in it entirety:

The Light of God surrounds me.
The Love of God enfolds me.
The Power of God protects me.
The Presence of God watches over me.
The Mind of God guides me.
The Life of God flows through me.
The Laws of God direct me.
The Power of God abides within me.
The Joy of God uplifts me.
The Strength of God renews me.
The Beauty of God inspires me.
Wherever I am, God is!

I like the idea of praying those four short words each morning. What a beautiful reminder of the strength and power and love and light that is available to us all. I am praying those words for my daughter and son-in-law (and sweet little Adeline) as they begin a new journey adventure in their lives today. I pray for protection from worry and fear, protection from harm, and that they would be continually reminded of the love and light and presence of God that surrounds them. And it is my prayer for all of you too.

everlastingjesus@tumblr via pinterest

Be still and know that I am God. 
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
            -Psalm 46:10

(Note:I found the dissected Psalm in a lovely book I am reading, "God Never Blinks" by Regina Brett. It is from lesson 38: Read the Psalms. No Matter What Your Faith, They Cover Every Human Emotion.)