The Lotto Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray You fill my pockets deep

With MegaMillions, Power Ball,

Scratch Off Tickets, I’ve got them all. 

Dear Lord, You know the dollars spent

(And, yes, I still paid last month’s rent).

You know the minutes stood in line

All for the hope of money-mine!

The checker at the corner station

Will love my winning celebration!

I’ll quit my job!  I’ll sail to France!

I’ll get the latest boob implants!

And now, dear Lord, the news is on

The balls are popping, I might have won!

14, 19, 35, 10

56, 33 I lost again!

My jackpot’s gone!  My hope destroyed.

My joy and glee are null and void.

How dare You say my needs are met

With all this stress and mounting debt!

You saw my faith!  You knew my heart!

I would have given you some part!

I wish I could just hold You libel.

What’s that?  You say to read my Bible? 

Very well then…

(1) You, Lord, are the giver of joy

(2) My selfish desires I must destroy

(3) You have searched me and know my heart

(3) You even created my inmost part

 And even my plans, though lofty they be,

(4) Are nothing compared to what You’ve planned for me.

From Your riches and your glory, from what I read,

(5) You’ll fully, completely, supply all my needs.

So as I lay me down tonight

Knowing my bank account is tight

I know You, Lord, are bigger than

My greedy, selfish lotto plan.

Lord, guide my steps.  Make me content.

From old desires I now repent.

My life is Yours.  Show me the way.

In Your holy, forgiving name I pray.

(1) Psalm 16:11

(2) Matthew 6:33

(3) Psalm 139

(4) Isaiah 55:8-9

(5) Philippians 4:19

The fact is...

Many of you have speculated for years.  Some of you may have heard me say it.  Those close to me have seen me at certain “pro” events which I attend weekly & have for most of my life - willingly.  I’ve even held leadership roles at these events   So, it’s time for me to come out & say it.  The fact is, I’m a Christian and I couldn’t be any more happy.

I know this doesn’t take you by surprise.  You probably noticed I wasn’t attracted to the opposite of Life.  I’m just not “in” to sin.  Some might call me conservative.  I no longer take offense.  

I’m lucky - my parents fully support me.  In fact, they have been Christian for the majority of their lives.  Crazy, huh?  

I don’t fit it with some crowds.  I don’t mesh with the pro-worldly groups.  When others see a rainbow and think of storms – I see a rainbow and think of God’s promises.  

I was bullied in school – called a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) and not invited to certain parties.  But I’ve overcome this.  

I met someone – around 26 year ago, actually.

His name is Jesus.  He loves me for who I am.  He would do anything for me – even take a bullet – or a cross.  He knows all I’ve been through and He’s never left me.  Not once.  I sure can’t say that for everyone else I’ve met in the past.  But Jesus is different.  

I can fully trust Him.  I’ve given Him my life.  I follow Him where He leads me.  And, you know what?  I’m not ashamed.  Romans 1:16-17