Month: February 2012

Father of all mercies, thank you for renewing our lives through sleep and through this new day.

We awaken with the certainty of your presence and blessing.

You never leave us alone, as long as we walk in the light.

We pray for those who are alone and for those who feel lonely.

Let us remove ourselves from our own concerns to be friendly to them and to introduce them to You.

Make today the day of reconciliation.

Because Christ brought us together. Amen.

Bless me, Lord, that I might do

  Great things for You;

Against the evils that assail

  Make me prevail.

Against King Saul who sought to still

  The lyre and kill

The shepherd-soldier, David stayed

  His hand and blade.

The Chosen's life let no one take

  For justice' sake;

The flying spear You timely send—

  Saul met his end.

While foes remain, make enemies sleep,

  In slumber deep;

As You gave David victory,

  So do for me.

by J. Randal Matheny. Bible reference: 1 Samuel 26, especially verse 25.

Praise to you this day, O Lord,
All praise from heaven and earth;

From every thought, from every word,
From every act, may praise spring forth.

God omnipotent, use me to show to those on the other side the abyss between living under one's own power and depending every moment upon your Spirit in hope, love, and faith. Let me never take a step outside of your will or where your power will not sustain me.

O LORD, you do not withhold your compassion from me. May your loyal love and faithfulness continually protect me! Ps 40.11