As winter transitions into spring, Christians begin a new round of holidays in February. Simple prayers— valentine prayer for God, blessing for Black History Month, prayer for President's Day, and thanksgiving for a February birthday— invite God into the lives of Christians this February.
Valentine Prayer for God
February 14 is the day to traditionally celebrate romantic love and relationships, but too often consumerism and gaudy gifts overshadow Valentine's Day's deeper meaning. The following offers the Christian an opportunity to invite God into Valentine's Day:
"God of love, thank you for those that I love, especially [insert names of significant other, family, and friends if desired]. Let Your compassion, generosity, and power continue to shine in my life long after the flowers and chocolates are gone, that I and all who I love might remember that You love us, now and always. Amen."
This prayer might be offered with a family or a significant other to honor St. Valentine's Day. An individual might further reflect on God's love in his or her life by exploring God's gifts to the faithful in Galatians 5:16-25.
Blessing for Black History Month
Every February, Americans honor the struggle and achievements of the men and women of African American descent who championed equality for all peoples in the United States. The following blessing for Black History Month offers Christians of all backgrounds an opportunity to seek God's healing and wisdom in all the divisions of this world:
"God of peace, thank you for a society that honors the achievements and sacrifices of all people. This February, bless all who, in the spirit of Black History Month, seek to bring Your world together, rather than to tear it apart. Thank you especially for [insert specific heroes such as Rosa Parks and/or beloved friends or family members of African American descent] and for all who fight for equality. [A story about a favorite person associated with Black History Month may be shared, if desired]. Bless all Your beloved children, Loving Father, and teach us to live together in peace, now and always. Amen."
This prayer might be offered for personal devotion or as part of a group activity to honor the holiday. Videos, speeches, or pictures of the Civil Rights Movement or other significant events in the African American experience might also be shared.
Prayer for President's Day
President's Day, the third Monday in February, is a time to honor the men who have led the United States and all its citizens through war and depression into peace and prosperity. The following prayer honors these executive leaders and asks God to bless the country that they serve:
"God of power, thank you for the service of all the U.S. Presidents, especially for [insert name of favorite presidents]. Please bless all leaders, past and present, who continue to work for the people of the United States [insert names of living past presidents as well as the name of the current president]. Bless and keep all people whose lives are touched by the President's decisions, and be, O God, ever present in the President's actions. Let him/her know who is really in charge- You. Amen."
This prayer might be offered for private devotion. Children in a particular may benefit from this prayer, as they are encouraged to name current and past presidents. A thank you card with this prayer included to the current or past president might be another way to honor President's Day and the presidents' service.
Prayer for a February Birthday
A February birthday has missed the holiday bustle, but does not yet enjoy the warmth of spring. The following prayer asks God to bless and guide an individual celebrating a February birthday:
"God of waiting, as we wait for spring, let us celebrate new life and possibility in the life of [insert name of birthday individual]. Keep him/her warm and safe this February, and bring him/her prosperity and peace, this year. Remind [insert birthday individual's name] that he/she is Your beloved child, with whom You are well pleased, now and forever. Amen."
This prayer might be offered during a birthday party, in a birthday card, or at any time to honor a February birthday.
February offers holidays to rejoice in romantic love and remember why loving one's neighbor is so important. As the Christian journeys through February and a new year, prayer can be an important tool to connect with the God of love on many levels.
For more seasonal prayers, Prayers for March or Prayers for Spring might be of interest.
Source:
Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Edition. Available online through the Oremus Bible Browser. Accessed January 19, 2012.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
