A Prayer for Peace

February 25, 2022February 26, 2022 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

**Lighting a candle for peace against the backdrop of war**

God of all nations,
I give You thanks
for the country I call home
where liberty is prized,
justice is pursued
and freedoms are protected.

On this bright sunny day where I live,
the dark clouds of war
threaten peace far away.
I pray for those whose lives and liberties
are in grave danger.

Surround President Zelenskyy of Ukraine
with wise counsel.
Provide a hedge of protection
for his people in harm’s way.

Give the vulnerable courage.
Infuse the fearful with faith.
Heal those who’ve been wounded.
Honor the memories of those who have died.
Comfort the grieving.

Would You grant our President
and other leaders of the free world
the means to work together
for a peaceful resolution
to this complicated bloodshed?

Would You prevent this regional conflict
from becoming a world war?

Would You remind us of the lessons
painfully learned from past wars
that are too-easily and too-quickly forgotten?

Would You use this chaotic frightening scenario
as a means of opening our eyes, ears and hearts
to You and one another?

These things I seek and ask in Your holy name. Amen.

Sitting by a Cozy Fire

February 4, 2022January 29, 2022 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

**There is just something about a blazing fire that warms the soul**

Sitting by a cozy fire
listening to John Rutter’s choir
frees me from the quicksand mire
of daily life demands.

The dancing flames invite my gaze
and penetrate the inner haze
of foggy thoughts from stressful days
and deadlines yet unmet.

And in the fire’s warmth I find
a respite from the daily grind
and faith to trust when I am blind
to how God cares for me.

It’s the Year of the Lion

January 7, 2022January 6, 2022 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

**Listening for Alsan in Everyday Life**

When God speaks,
I want to hear
against the backdrop of constant distractions.

Amid the din of doing life
in the midst of mounting pressures
and maintaining routines
(all the while pursuing dreams),
I want to sense His presence
and hear the essence of His heart.

When God speaks,
I want to know what He is saying.
And even if it means a moratorium from praying
(because my words can often get in the way),
I am willing to be still
to know that He is God.

A Vaccine Prayer

October 2, 2020December 3, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

Confessions of a chaplain during COVID

A vaccine, Lord! We need it soon!
Without it, Sir, those empty rooms
in churches, restaurants, bars and schools
will yet be empty still.

A vaccine, Dr. Fauci, please.
The waiting world is on its knees.
We’re praying for your COVID team
with hopes a cure awaits.

A vaccine by Election Day?
Or Christmas? Maybe Ash Wednesday?
What matters most is that it works.
Dear God, please hear our prayer!

An Advent Prayer

December 16, 2016December 3, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

New lyrics to an ancient Advent hymn

O come Befriender of the lonely soul
and fill their emptiness until it’s full.
Stand by the grieving as they weep
and walk with them although their path is steep.
Rejoice, rejoice, our Friend who knows our plight
and be to us a candle in the night.

O come Defender of the working poor
and give them what they need (and then some more).
Provide them with the means and way
to give their children toys with which to play.
Rejoice, rejoice, our only sure defense
and comfort those whose burdens are intense.

O come Redeemer of our nation’s wrongs
and fill our hearts with plaintiff, hopeful songs.
Confront the demons that divide
especially hateful prejudice and pride.
Rejoice, rejoice, Redemption’s Child, rejoice
and give all those who worship You one voice.

O come Fulfillment of what God has deemed
and satisfy creation’s deepest dreams.
Accomplish all that love demands
and bring about the peace that You have planned.
Rejoice, rejoice, Fulfiller of God’s heart
as we rejoice and sing “How Great Thou Art.”