The day begins with risen light,
With peace within to meet the fight
Without. Be glorified, O Lord,
In me, who in the beginning died
To self, whose will must daily die.
Look down with your benevolent eye
To bless with power, for foe and friend,
To reach with shining faith the end.
Keep our small thinking from holding back your kingdom
Father, you know all and are able to do everything. Your mind and will and power have no limits. Work in us and among us in this place so that the Word may run and reach many. There is no doubt that even among a people whose interests focus in money and pleasure your power can do great things. Show us your glory, that we might glorify you.
You can do so much, far beyond our ability to imagine. And you actually do them! Keep our small thinking from holding back your kingdom. We stand ready, O Lord, to observe your mighty hand. Show yourself to be the God who rules and performs great works in our midst. Help us to do greater things. Make us people of faith. Create in us confidence to launch out with your promises.
You, Lord, don’t want me to walk in circles, like Israel in the desert, until I drop
Sovereign God, Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years to die there. This was your judgment on them for disobedience. But you don’t want me to walk in circles until I drop. Give me focus, the objective of glorifying you by actions and words. Let my goals be clear, my specific tasks well defined, my activity that of Jesus: to bring others to you. Because he is Lord! Amen.