Pineridge Blog
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Did you know that today is National Pretzel Day? I didn’t until I was watching the news this morning but I should have because Philadelphia, where Joe and I lived for several months, is the center for American pretzel production. Pretzels of all types are easy to find in Philly and it was actually the governor of Pennsylvania who in 2003 declared April 26 to be National Pretzel Day.
I had forgotten that pretzels are believed to have originated in the early 600’swhen Italian monks gave their young students these treats of baked dough twisted into the shape of crossed arms as a reward for learning their prayers. At this time one crossed their arms when saying their prayers. Legend has it that as their popularity spread the three holes came to represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and pretzels were associated with good luck, prosperity and long life.
So enjoy a pretzel today and when you do say a prayer … a prayer of thanksgiving for this beautiful spring day, a prayer for family and friends and their specific needs, a prayer for Pine Ridge and the gifts of the church. And as you say your prayers let me share with you one of my favorite prayers that I often read to begin my day, which helps me not get all twisted up in knots and to remember to give it all to God because God has got it all under control.
A PRAYER OF RELINQUISHMENT
from Prayers for the Heart by Richard J. Foster
Today, O Lord, I yield myself to you.
May your will be my delight today.
May your way have perfect sway in me.
May your love be the pattern of my living.
I surrender to you
my hopes, my dreams, my ambitions.
Do with them what you will, when you will, as you will.
I place into your loving care my family, my friends, my future.
Care for them with a care that I can never give.
I release into your hands my need to control, my craving for status, my fear of obscurity. Eradicate the evil, purify the good, and establish your kingdom on earth.
For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
Buzzy