The good news of Christ
You, O Lord, are source and center,
Let me in your portals enter;
Walk with me the straight and narrow,
Watch with care your smallest sparrow.
You, O God, are shield and savior,
Rock and tower, loving neighbor;
Life and blessing yours forever,
Faithfulness our long endeavor. Continue reading “Source and Center”
Lord God of love, let me be excited about this day, as a time to love, to give, to call to faith, as the hour of salvation, as a moment of new birth from heaven, of truth and knowledge, of hearing the Good News, as a space to welcome the Only Son and walk in the light.
Heavenly Father, make this day a challenge to the will, to decide to be the lover and giver that you are; a stimulation for the mind, to understand better the marvels of your wisdom; a brace for the emotions, to feel the joy of knowing you and of entering into your fellowship; a hope for the spirit, to escape the chains of sin and embrace eternal life in the Son.
O Lord who enjoys giving to his creatures, we thank you for every gift received and for your faithfulness in providing for every need and making our cup overflow.
Give us your wisdom to live well upon the earth and to influence others for eternity, for you have instructed us to ask.
Give us your patience, that we might devote ourselves tirelessly to our task. Continue reading “Give, O Lord who enjoys giving”
Dear God in heaven, make my life to be praise to you. Let others see me and think of your goodness.
Let me see in each moment an opportunity for good, a chance to grow and to share the gospel.
Remove from me every vestige of bitterness, resentment, envy, pride, and worldliness. Continue reading “Ears tuned to other’s hurts”
As evil spreads, relieve our hearts’ distress;
Than self may we not love our neighbor less.
O God, turn men to truth, ourselves to serve,
From following Jesus let us never swerve.
Your finger moves in silence.
Unseen, your presence touches
Hearts and minds and souls,
Depths no man can reach. Continue reading “Your Finger Moves in Silence”
O Savior! Work in me your righteousness,
And let me welcome suffering in my soul,
My time to learn my weakness, find your strength,
And grow in purity and holiness. Continue reading “This Single Pearl”
Content am I, O Lord, but wanting more
Of you and yours, of voices to adore
Your glorious Self — to be alone content,
And yet desiring men seek you, repent,
Discover fellowship, see kingdom growth,
The family swell who take eternal oath. Continue reading “Content but Wanting More”
Inspired by a prayer of Alcuin of York (c. 735-804).
Eternal Light, pierce the dark with day,
Eternal Goodness, deliver me from wrong,
Eternal Power, be my strength and stay,
Eternal Wisdom, teach me where I belong,
Eternal Pity, turn me back to the way,
Eternal Joy, place on my lips your song.
Eternal Victor, with you I never lose;
Eternal Will, the heavenly glory I choose.
Lord, the only human government that can be just is one that reflects your truth and wisdom. Many nations, and the world at large, are in turmoil. Wars, protests, violence, oppression, and injustice abound.
On the one hand, O God, we have no solutions, no immediate fixes for such confusion and tumult. Continue reading “The only human government that can be just”