May 16

For Joy in God's Creation

O Heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty; Open my eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that rejoicing in your whole creation, I may learn to serve you with gladness, faithfully managing your bounty; for the sake of him by whom all things were made, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Meditation

[Open my eyes.]

*****

Blessing for the Day

Oh God, hold me in the palm of your hand. I pray that you will mold me into what you want me to be. May I joyfully fill the role you have given to me and feel your peace deep in my soul, today and always, Amen.

*****

Heavenly Father, today I am singing a new song. Yesterday with its victories and failures has passed away, and behold on this day all things have become new. I look forward to all things that You send my way — a new sunrise, new friends, relationships, assignments, responsibilities, blessings, and new opportunities to be a blessing to someone today. I release the past, and will not judge by the former thought patterns and attitudes. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your goodness to me. The earth is full of God’s unfailing love. Amen

*****

"How precious it is, Lord, to realize that You are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day Your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning You are still thinking of me!"* ... Oh Lord, help my thoughts to turn toward You during the day, that I may know Your will and be obedient to it. Let me praise You daily, and thank You for Your constant care.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

* (Psalm 139:17-18 -- TLB)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

My Father, may this be a day of usefulness. Make me sure of myself, that I may not spend my days in questioning, but accept with gratefulness thy love and tender care. Make me worthy to be called thy child. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful for all of Your many blessings this day. Lord, I do desire to have Your wisdom. You see the future, so help me to make the best decisions, so that I do not have greater problems tomorrow. Lord, help me to guard my mouth and restrain my lips from any evil. Help me to be a loving witness of Your goodness and give me the boldness to proclaim the gospel. Bless all of those who touch my life and keep them from harm. I am grateful to be Your child. Father, I ask this in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

*****

Prayer for the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May 17

For Faithfulness in the Use of this World's Goods
Almighty God, whose loving hand has given me all that I possess; Grant me grace that I may honor you with my substance, and remembering the account which I must one day give, may be a faithful steward of your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Meditation

[The Holy Spirit will help us have the courage we need.]

*****

Now let me go forth praising you, O Lord, with all my heart, telling of all your wonders, with my words and in my actions. I will be glad and rejoice in you this day. I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, there are times in my life when I seem to be getting no where, when I am forced to mark time. Help me to learn the hard lesson of patience, and to put my trust in You. ... Help me to use these times wisely, to sort out my relationship with You, and to gain a new perspective, that I may set more realistic goals, which will be pleasing to You. Give me patience to await Your timing. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, please cleanse me from all error and renew my mind. I desire to know the truth even if it means correction and embarrassment for me. Change my heart and thoughts to be Your thoughts and heart. Give me a teachable spirit. Take my desires and dreams and give me Yours. Cleanse me from all that offends You. Create within me a clean heart, O Lord. Give me eyes to see things the way You see them and keep me from deception. Thank You for the gift of discernment so that I do not fall into the devils traps. May You also do this for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

May 18

Prayer for the Power of the Holy Spirit

O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen.

by (Saint) Augustine of Hippo, 398 A.D.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you that I am well, and strong and able to work. I do appreciate the work You have called me to do. Lord, sometimes I do get weary, but help me not to complain. I am most blessed to be Your child and I thank You for Your abundant blessings in my life. Many lack the blessings I have. I am grateful that I am not hungry and I do not have bombs going off above my house. Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters in the world that are experiencing those trials. Protect them and provide for them. I will not complain of my light afflictions when I think of many in the world that do not even have the essentials of a secure home. Lord, use each of us who are Your children to reach out to those that do not have the blessings that we have. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Lord our God, Father of us all, grant that we may know something of you in our hearts. Each one of us is different, with his own particular needs, but we are all your children and should all become children of your Spirit. Then even in the difficulties of life, in the many struggles, temptations, and sorrows, we can keep up our courage and remain in the Spirit, who is victorious in every aspect of life. Protect and strengthen us on all our ways. We praise you for all you have done and for all the help you have given us. Amen.

May 19

For Those Who Suffer

God of time and of eternity, in your hands you hold the souls of the righteous, and in your heart there is room for all people; shine forth upon all who are tried in the furnace of suffering and illness, and especially on those for whom I pray today; in your grace and mercy may we know that you watch over us; bring us at the last to abide with you in love; I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*****

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that Christ will dwell in my heart through faith. Also, I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Amen

*****

Lord God, may I comprehend the sacredness of friendship. I thank thee for my friends, and for all the beautiful influences which they bring to my life. May I never hold friendship without the sincerity to return it. Correct my faults, and cause me to learn the secret of cheerful endurance, that I may be steadfast. Amen.

*****

Lord, most of us will not become well-known or be written about because of great achievements, but we will be known and loved for our attitude and the smaller ordinary things that we do that make our part of the world a better place. Inspire us, Lord, each day, to find joy in giving as well as in receiving, and lead us to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the many wonderful promises for all of Your children. I do thank you for the promise of long life, not only for me, but for all of my family members. I claim Psalm 91 over our lives. Thank you for watching over us all the time. Lord, now that I am older and have had many experiences, help me to be gracious in sharing the things that I have learned over the years. Help me to also keep my mouth shut when I should and allow others to learn from You. Thank you for helping me to grow old graciously. Lord, bless all of Your older saints who are still serving You around the world. Strengthen and protect them. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Lord our God, we thank you that we have often felt you close to us. We thank you that you are near us and that you strengthen the weak. Remember us and give each one the help he needs to be true to his calling. Remember all mankind and grant that we may go forward in spirit and in truth. Give new light to the peoples who are still in great darkness. Let your kingdom and your reign be revealed and your name at last be honored by all. Amen.

May 20

Father, I pray that I may be filled with the love of God. You are able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to your power that is at work within me. To you goes all the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

*****

Lord God, I do earnestly pray that thou wilt give me strength to break away, if I may be trying to free myself from habits that mar my character. May I not lose courage and fall back in the old ways, but by faith be led where I should go. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being patient with me in times past, when I know my sins caused You grief and anger. Help me to have the same kind of patience and love toward those who cause me to be angry. Lord, I choose to love them, and thank you for Your power to demonstrate that love. Father, I do forgive all who would sin against me and I ask You to bless them with the knowledge of Your love and truth. Lord, I pray especially for all my brothers and sisters in the Lord. May we all walk in Your love and forgiveness toward each other so that the world may see Your love in us and as they witness this love, may they desire to know You, the God of love. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Building Up Each Other

Dear Father, giver of great joy, I hope that in my effort to get others to live for you that I will never lord it over their faith. Help me work with them for their joy. Let them stand firm in freedom in their faith. Help my contacts with them not cause pain, but let my joy be their joy, and let their joy be my joy! Help us to work together in a common goal in the Lord. Help us work for each other's upbuilding in holiness. In the name of Jesus and in full confidence of salvation through him I ask all these things. Amen.

*****

Lord our God, give us your Spirit, we pray, that we may learn to understand what we are and what tasks you have set for us. We thank you for all the light you give us. Grant that we and many others may come closer to knowledge of the truth and be at peace about all that belongs in your hands, our Father in heaven. Keep us now and forevermore in your almighty hand. May we know your goodness and the blessing it brings. For through your goodness we can endure even the hardest days and be victorious in the battle of life. Amen.

*****

Seeking Healing From God

O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Book of Common Prayer 1979

May 21

To Spread the Gospel

Father God, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior you have found my heart worthy enough to save, and have entrusted me to spread the Gospel. You have handed to me the very keys to the kingdom of heaven. Let me not grow weary of His cause. And by His grace and mercies given to me, let me be proven worthy of my call. As your Son taught us, the harvest is plentiful, but the gatherers are few. Let me stand for my call in Jesus Christ and take my place among those who gather, not by argument and rancor, but by living as a shining light before the world, always ready to witness to your gifts, your Word, and your glory. Amen.

*****

For Faith

Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my mind. Give me a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity, so that I may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen.

*****

Lord God, I can think of some of the chemicals my body is made of and the way the different cells of my body interact, but I know how much more a human being really is. I pray that I may always appreciate the wonder of the human body, mind and spirit. I pray for good health, an inquiring mind, and a spirit that seeks all that is good, knowing that I will only be fully at rest and in peace as I live in your presence. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being in charge of my life. I know that I am not just a lost boat drifting in a storm when I belong to You. I thank you that You are guiding me and directing me in all of my ways. Lord, when You choose me to do anything for You, please empower me and give me the grace to accomplish it. I know that my life is planned by You and that each person who comes into it, is sent by You, when I am committed to Your will. May I grow from those encounters and be a blessing to them. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Ready to Forgive

2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11

Dear Father, God of forgiveness,

Father, help me, when someone sins, to encourage him or her to repent, then to forgive and comfort that person in your love.

Help all Christians to affirm such loving forgiveness and to comfort each other so that Satan will not gain the advantage over us, for we are not ignorant that his designs are that we should be unforgiving.

In the name of Jesus and in full confidence of salvation through him I ask all these things. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, grant me the strength to get through today. Grant me your wisdom to handle situations I cannot control.

May 22

Praise and Thanks this Morning

Hallelujah! The sun has risen again and it is morning! And I have awoken into it, alive, breathing, thinking, knowing that the Son will rise again and I will be saved. What did I do to deserve this day? It is a gift from you. Glory and praise to you, my God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for filling me with life to live another day, for it is you who made me and not me myself.

I resolve to spend this day in the presence of the Holy Spirit, filled with his joy and energy, that I might accomplish your will, my God, and do what I can to deserve the joys of the day, for I know my time here is short. Be with me, oh Holy Spirit, to fill me with the energy and positivity and comfort that only you can bring. In Christ's name I pray that thy will be done, Amen.

Meditation

[Let me remember the importance of every hour of life.]

*****

To Help Everyone I Meet

Holy God, I pray that today the love I show to my fellow man will not be a sham, but fashioned in a sincere heart; may your Holy Spirit be powerful in me, blinding me to annoyances and putting aside selfish greed, so that I may lift up the people I meet, showing them warm affection and leaving them filled with good spirits and confidence. If they are sorrowful, lead me to console them. If they are lost, let me show them the path. Help me always to seek after good rather than evil, and to display, for the whole world to see, the miracle you have worked in my soul.

In the name of Christ, who was always ready to teach and heal and save, I pray, Amen.

*****

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, this day and evermore. Amen.

*****

My Father, I thank thee that nature reveals thy power as she unfolds her beauty and wonder to the searching eye. Guide me that I may see in the little flower the smile of welcome, the look of kindness, and the beauty of hope which it renders to all; and may I learn from it thy protection in the smallest things of life. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful for all that You have provided for me. Help me not to be stressful, when I have need of certain things and I do not see how they will be supplied. My trust is in You and I know that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Lord, I am grateful for a peaceful home. Fill all who visit our home with Your peace. Let us serve those that You send to our house. Lord, I pray for marriages that are hurting because of so much stress. Show them the changes that they need to make, and give them the grace to make them. May Your peace permeate the whole body of Christ as You have intended. I ask this in Your name. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, thank you for all that you do. I ask you to forgive me when I judge others. Help me be more understanding and forgiving as no one is perfect, least of all me.

May 23

Prayer for Peace

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live together in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*****

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted me as a living member of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have blessed me with the grace of forgiveness through the sacrifice He made for me and for all people. Send me now into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*****

Almighty God, if I am overwhelmed by the tides of temptation and discouragement, let me not drift away to sea, but anchor and take harbor in thee. May I not be afraid to trust in thy protection, but calmly wait and watch for thy deliverance. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you that You called me to be Your servant. Lord, give me the grace to serve You well. I do thank You for Your wisdom also. Guide me daily in the things that I must do and show me my priorities. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me. Lord, I am looking to You to meet all of my needs. Give me peace and confidence when I must deal with situations that are difficult for me. May I speak the truth in love and be open myself for correction when You see something in my life that needs changing. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Dear God and Father of us all, sanctify us in your truth. Your Word is truth. We come before your presence and ask you to touch us with your Spirit, to shape our lives in the truth and in the joy of your name. Touch us with your Spirit, that we may carry out our tasks in your service. May your face shine on us and on all needy people who turn to you. May your power be given ever more fully, and may your cause become great in the world until at last it brings new life to all nations. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, when happiness leaves my soul and I am left with only a void, I say your name and my heart again fills with joy.

May 24

For the Day Ahead

Oh Lord God, I come to you in the morning, full of hope that the day to come might be filled with joy and energy. Grant that I may do my work with a light and happy heart; and if there are tasks that I do not look forward to, or even dread, let me undertake them with courage and resolve. For this day could be perfect, if I can only live it in You and with You and for You.

Where I face frustration today, let me handle it with acceptance and faith that the outcome is in Your hands. Lead me away from anger or judgment of other people. Let me tend to my own garden instead of looking over the fence. If my neighbor's yard is filled with weeds, help me not to criticize, and keep me from envy of those whose tree bears more fruit.

And let everything I attempt be filled with the knowledge and guidance of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that the Spirit will be with me at every moment, and that I will always be aware of Him, and live every moment of this day in Your presence. In Christ's name, I pray, Amen.

Meditation

[Doing my work with a light and happy heart.]

*****

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made me one with your saints in heaven and on earth. Grant that in my earthly pilgrimage I may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know myself to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. I ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

*****

Father, I thank you for choosing me before the foundation of the world. I receive your Word that says that I am holy and without blame. As your dearly beloved child, I clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I bear with others and forgive whatever grievances I may have against them. I forgive as the Lord forgives me. Over all these virtues, I put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Amen

*****

Lord Jesus, you promised to be with your people always, and so we know that you are with us in good times and bad. Nothing that ever happens to us can separate us from your love. Help us always to be positive in our attitude that we may seek and find the best in people and in situations, and so draw good out of all that happens to us. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being patient with me in my trials. I have failed many of my tests the first time around, but because of Your love and mercy, I have been given another chance to overcome. Each time You have strengthened me until I have been able to overcome the devil with his temptations. Lord, I do want to be conformed into Your image. It seems so impossible, but You said that with You there is nothing impossible, so I am believing You to do the work in my life that is necessary so that I might overcome and please You. Lord, be merciful and help all of us, Your children. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

We thank you, dear Father in heaven, for the many times you let us experience that we do not need to despair because of darkness, weakness, or sickness. You hear the desires of our hearts. You love us for all that we love when we love the Savior and when we praise his name. Let us remain in this spirit. Come to us with many proofs of your power, to the glory of your name. Come in the inner quiet of heart through which we are able to grasp what it means for us that you are our Father in Jesus Christ. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, with you my voice is lifted up to the heavens, my heart soars to new heights. I ask that joy and love continue to surround me when I face hatred and sorrow.

May 25

Call to Sunday Worship

O Lord, I beseech you mercifully to hear my prayers, and the prayers of all your people who call upon you; and grant that we may both perceive and know what things we ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfill them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Meditation

[The Lord hears our prayers.]

*****

Dear Lord, if I insist on running my car on molasses when its inventor meant it to run on gasoline, I'll come to grief. ... In Your sovereign plan, You have given me FREEDOM to deny You or to choose You, to go my own way and make my own rules, or to go Your way and live by Your rules! ... Oh Lord, help me to get beyond my "intelligent reasoning" and realize in my spirit that it's only when I choose to make Your will my will that I find my life's greatest fulfillment. Your high octane fuel is the only way to go! Forgive me, Lord, for thinking I could find the answers without You.

In the name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.
© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Almighty God, I pray that I may have a true appreciation of the quality of life. Reveal to me my responsibilities and help me to make them my opportunities. Keep me in search of thoughts and deeds that will increase the delight of my soul. Amen.

*****

Be a bright flame before me, Lord.
Be a guiding star above me.
Be a smooth path below me.
Be a kindly shepherd behind me
- today, tonight, and forever. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your love toward me. Lord, I ask You to place in me the same kind of love You have for the lost and the poor. I pray for the lost and ask You to work in the hearts of those who are seeking for You, yet are looking in the wrong places. Father, I need a tender and understanding heart toward the poor. May I be sensitive to Your leading so that I know where I should give, so that the poor are helped in the right way. Lord, thank you for blessing me so that I can bless others. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

To Spread the Gospel

Father God, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior you have found my heart worthy enough to save, and have entrusted me to spread the Gospel. You have handed to me the very keys to the kingdom of heaven. Let me not grow weary of His cause. And by His grace and mercies given to me, let me be proven worthy of my call. As your Son taught us, the harvest is plentiful, but the gatherers are few. Let me stand for my call in Jesus Christ and take my place among those who gather, not by argument and rancor, but by living as a shining light before the world, always ready to witness to your gifts, your Word, and your glory. Amen.

*****

For Forgiveness

Almighty Father; I enter your presence confessing the things I try to conceal from you and the things I try to conceal from others. I confess the heartbreak, worry, and sorrow I have caused, that make it difficult for others to forgive me, the times I have made it easy for others to do wrong, the harm I have done that makes it hard for me to forgive myself. Lord have mercy on me, and forgive for all my sins against you and against others, through the grace of my Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.

*****

Let me not forget my prayers as I go out into the world. Holy Spirit, be with me, and let me praise you and remember you in my every action and thought, for the entire week long. In Christ's name I ask this, Amen.

*****

Day by Day

Day by day, dear Lord of you
Three things I pray:
To see you more clearly,
To love you more dearly,
To follow you more nearly,
Day by day.

- St. Richard of Chichester

*****

Dear Father, thank you for today and all that you do. I love you Lord with all my heart. Please help me show this love to others as I go about the day.

May 26

For a Sense of Wonder at God's Creation

Dear Lord, grant me the grace of wonder. Surprise me, amaze me, awe me in every crevice of your universe. Delight me to see how your Christ plays in ten thousand places, in limbs and eyes not His, to be the father through the features of men's faces. Each day enrapture me with your marvelous things without number. I do not ask to see the reason for it all; I ask only to share the wonder of it all. Amen.

Meditation

[Seeing Christ in other people.]

*****

Prayer to Be Filled with Christ’s Love (from Ephesians 14)

Heavenly Father, when I think of the wonder of your great plan for our salvation, I fall on my knees before you, who has named every name in heaven or on earth, and I pray that out of your richness of your glory, you will strengthen me in my inner being with your Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that I may be rooted and grounded in love, that I may have strength to comprehend with all the saints the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ Jesus, the love that surpasses knowledge, and be filled with the fullness that only you can give. In the name of Christ, I pray, Amen.

*****

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within me all this day; and whatever I do in word or deed, may I do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Amen.

*****

Eternal God, I pray that thou wilt graciously restore my spirits if I may have settled into despondency over my disappointments. May I have the will to rise above them, and patiently strive for renewed hope. Amen.

*****

Father, God of love, as I come to recognize you in the faces of those people you have placed into my life, I ask that I may grow as the loving person you call me to be. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful for all that You have given me. Lord, forgive this generation of families that have failed one another. Restore the breaches in families and homes. Give the children a submissive spirit toward their parents and speak to them to honor their mothers and fathers. Give the fathers and mothers the love and wisdom that they need to minister to their children. Heal those relationships and restore the broken homes . Heal our land, O Lord. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for wanting to give us happiness and for holding our earthly life firmly in your hands. May we have the confidence that we are in your hands. Grant us the light of faith. Let this light of faith guide us in material things and help us to wait in patience until the doors open for us to pass through according to your pleasure. So bless us all. Bless our life. May we grow joyful and free of heart through all that Jesus Christ gives. On the foundation he establishes for us may your divine working, your fatherly love, lift and support us throughout our lives. Amen.

*****

O heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray thee so to guide and govern us by thy Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget thee, but may remember that we are ever walking in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May 27

Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester (1230 A.D.)

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.

O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly
For ever and ever.
Amen.

Meditation

[May I know Christ more clearly.]

*****

Prayers for Those Torn by Alcohol and Drugs

I pray, O God of hope, for all persons and families whose lives are torn and disrupted by drugs and alcohol. Enable them to identify the illness. Strengthen them to seek help. Bless them with the power of your love, which imparts transformation and wholeness to those who trust in your name. Grant that as they walk this tortured road, they may journey together, bound close together in the bond of love. Shine your light upon them, Lord Christ, that they may see the path out of their misery, and give them the strength to follow it. Amen.

*****

Walk with me, dear Lord, so that I may not be alone as I face this day, but always in your presence. Your joy is a lighthouse in a world often dark with sin, and I pray that I may reflect the light of your truth, to inspire others as I have been inspired. In the name of Christ, bless me this day, and all whom I may meet. Amen.

*****

God our Father, when times are difficult, I ask for courage and determination. When there is hostility between people, lead me to see the best in people and in situations, and give me the gift of making peace. Remove from me whatever contradicts your love that I may share more fully the Good News of your love. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me Your Word. Help me to always obey it as I know that You bless all who adhere to Your commandments. Forgive me when I fail You, and give me the grace to forgive those who have offended and sinned against me. Lord, help me guard my mouth, and not to repeat things that are not edifying to others. Help me to be a peacemaker. Lord, may I never be guilty of taking a bribe. Lord, may all the gifts I give to others be totally given in love, with no strings attached to them. I do not want to be guilty of expecting someone to return a favor to me because I gave to them. Help us all to live as godly examples before our friends and family. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Lord our God, our Father in heaven, we thank you for letting us receive so much that is good in all circumstances on earth. We thank you that we can have joy in life in spite of our shortcomings, mistakes, and worries. You bless us with heavenly gifts, so that rejoicing, we can walk on earth as if in heaven. Keep the gifts of your Spirit alive in us. Keep alive in us everything that Jesus Christ was, everything he is, and everything he will be on earth for all people. Amen.

May 28

O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to your fold again. Deal favourably with me according to your good pleasure, until I may dwell in your house all the days of my life, and praise you forever and ever with them that are there. Amen.

from a prayer of St. Jerome, 408 A.D.

*****

Father, it is your desire that I prosper and be in health, even as my soul prospers. In the name of Jesus, I put off the old man with its wrong attitudes and behaviors, and put on the new man created in righteousness. I receive and welcome the Word that contains the power to save my soul— to root out strongholds that are contrary to the Truth. I will diligently obey the message; being a doer of the Word and not merely a listener. Thank You for helping me overcome wrong ideas about financial freedom. I will ever be humbly grateful and one with you as I experience financial success in the name of Jesus. Amen

*****

My Lord, inspire me with kind words and thoughtful deeds, that I may share the yearnings and sympathy of others. May my life show that I am dependable, and may none be left lonely today because of my forgetfulness. Amen.

*****

Lord Jesus, we read in the gospel that you spoke individually to many people and said:
“Be cured”; Lk 5 13
“Get up and walk”; Lk 5 24
“What do you want me to do for you?” Mt 20 32
“Of course I want to cure you: be healed”; Mt 8 3
“Let what you want be done for you”; Mt 9 29
“Receive your sight”; Lk 18 42
“Receive back your hearing”; Mk 7 34
“Young man, arise”; Lk 7 15
“Go, your son will live”; Jn 4 50
“Go, your faith has saved you.” Mk 10 52
Knowing that you are present in our midst, we ask you today to touch each one of us individually and bring us your healing of body, mind and spirit. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you so much for Your mercy on me when I have made wrong choices in my life, out of my own rebellion. Thank you for giving me the eyes to see my folly and repent of it and turn back to You. Lord, I ask for the grace to continue to walk in wisdom. Help me to be humble when I am corrected, and not to think of myself more highly than I ought to. Let me hear Your words when You speak to me, through whatever means You may use. Bless all of those who are struggling right now in their lives with things that are difficult. Strengthen those who are weak today, and give them a song in their heart which will be their strength. Thank you for Your forgiveness and mercy! In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.

*****

God's Treasure Revealed

2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Dear Father, powerful sustainer,

Thank you for putting your treasure in a cracked clay pot like me so that it will be evident that the treasure is from you, the transcendent and powerful God, and not from me, the container.

Thank you for upholding all who serve you. When I am afflicted in every way, I am not crushed; when perplexed, I am not driven to despair; when persecuted, I am not forsaken; when struck down, I am not destroyed.

Reveal your immortality through my mortal body. May unbelievers see the glorious work you are doing in my life.

I come as your humble servant, in the name of your only Son. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, our time on earth is short. Please help me realize that it is not the amount of time, but the quality of the time I spend that counts.

*****

Thank You, Father

Thank you, Father, for bread and meat.
Thank you for the friends we meet.
Thank you for our Moms and Dads.
Thank you for the love we have.
Thank you for our work and play.
Thank you for another day.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.

May 29

Prayer to Live this Day with God

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank you that I can see or hear your Word this morning. Let me give thanks all day for what I have, especially your eternal love, and forgive me this day when I go astray, by my thoughts or actions; my only aim is to please you, to know and do your will. Guide my every step. Help me to live this day with wisdom and discretion so that I may not fall short of your glory. Protect me from danger, both in the world and in my attitude. Give me the gift of a clear mind, that I might hear the quiet voice of your Spirit. Help to massage away resentments and blame for things gone by, that would eat my energy and poison my mind; but instead, help me to look to the moment, to what I can do, to work for the future. And let me never become frustrated where I lack control of events, for you are in charge, not me; and I put my entire faith in your power, your knowledge, your plan for humanity. Your are my leader and my coach, Lord. I am on your team. Help me to keep this in mind for just today, in Christ's name I pray, Amen.

Meditation

[The quiet voice of the Spirit.]

*****

For All Who Serve Others

O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be ministered unto, but to minister; I pray for your blessing on all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of their fellow men. Endue them with wisdom, patience, and courage, that they may strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall; and, being inspired by your love, may worthily minister in your name to the suffering, the friendless, the lost, and the needy. Inspire them with perseverance; when they feel unappreciated, comfort them in knowledge of the blessing they earn by
their service; and to those who teach, let your Holy Spirit guide them in their teaching, that they always know and speak the truth of your Word. For the sake of him who laid down his life for us, the same thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.

*****

God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and Spirit of God amidst us, direct our way unto you. Make us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before you, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Amen.

*****

This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! My delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on Your law I habitually meditate (ponder and study) by day and by night. Then I shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water; ready to bring forth fruit in my season; my leaf shall not fade or wither, and everything I do shall prosper and come to maturity. Amen

*****

Dear Lord, often I am too hard on myself and others, setting impossible standards and agonizing over past hurts, or over my own past sins of omission and commission. ... Remind me that a butterfly would remain earthbound and useless if it tried to hold on to its cocoon. Teach me not to spoil the opportunities of the day by refusing to surrender the past to You. ... Help me to know that Your love forgives, surrounds and challenges me each day. Set me free, that all my actions and words may more truly glorify You! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

(c) 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Lord, I ask that you inspire me always to do my best - not comparing myself with others, but only with myself. Lead me, Lord, to discover and use my own talents to the full. May I live in such a way that I help others to experience success. Inspire me to be generous in praising others for the good use of their abilities - looking not so much at the degree of achievement but at the effort put in. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful for the wonderful ways in which You take care of me. I do appreciate Your watchcare over my family and friends. Lord, I do desire to remain humble in my dealings with others who oppose me. Give me Your grace and wisdom when I must handle controversy. May I be humble when I am tested in this way and trust You to defend me instead of getting into contention with others. Lord, bless those who are reading this today and strengthen them to do Your will. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Spirit of Faith

2 Corinthians 4:13-15

Heavenly Father, giver of life and faith,

Thank you for the spirit of grace which enables me to believe.

May I have the same spirit of faith as he who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke." I believe too, and so let me speak!

I believe (I know!) that you, the God who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise me with Jesus and bring me into his presence.

As your grace extends to more and more people may they pour out their thanksgiving - to your glory!

In the name of Jesus, who intercedes for me, I praise you for such wonderful blessings. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, I ask you to help me be strong. I want to forgive those who have done me wrong and live a life of happiness. I ask for the strength as forgiveness can be difficult when hurt feelings start to surface.

*****

In Time of Need

Heavenly Father, in my present need, help me to believe that you are aware of my anxiety and will do what is best for me. Give me the strength to trust you and put the present and future in your hands. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Being A Good Listener”

Father, it’s interesting that we often plead for Your attention and certainly expect You to listen to our prayers and You assure us through Your word that You hear us when we call on You. But for true fellowship to exist we too must listen to Your voice through Scripture, through fellow believers, through Your many works of creation, and through Your still small voice that beckons our attention. You have so much to tell us that will often encourage us, sometimes reprove us, but always spur us on to good works and needed spiritual perspective as we journey here below. Help us to listen, to heed, and to be steadfast in our fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

May 30

Prayer at Daybreak (by Archimandrite Sophronios)

O Lord Eternal and Creator of all things, who with your unknowable goodness called me to this life; I have no life, no light, no joy or wisdom, no strength except in you, O God. I entreat you, teach me to pray aright. Purify me from all taint of flesh and spirit. Bless this day which you give to me, your unworthy servant.

By the power of your blessing enable me, throughout this day, to speak and act to your glory with a pure spirit, with humility, patience, love, gentleness, peace, courage and wisdom. Let me be always aware of your presence. By the power of your love, grant me to hold fast to that which is good. Preserve me from every word or deed that corrupts the soul; from every impulse unpleasing in your sight and hurtful to my fellow man, my brothers and sisters. This in Christ's name, I pray, Amen.

Meditation

[I have no wisdom except in God.]

*****

Prayer of Thanks

For the gladness here where the sun is shining at evening on the weeds at the river,
Our prayer of thanks.
For the laughter of children who tumble barefooted and bareheaded in the summer grass,
Our prayer of thanks.
For the sunset and the stars, the women and the white arms that hold us,
Our prayer of thanks.

God, the game is all your way, the secrets and the signals and the system; and so for the break of the game and the first play and the last.
Our prayer of thanks. Amen.

from Our Prayer of Thanks by Carl Sandburg

*****

Now unto him that is able to keep me from falling, and to present me faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

*****

In the name of Jesus, I cast all my cares, worries and concerns over on you, my Lord. I am not sufficient unto myself, but you are my sufficiency, and I will remember you, my Lord, my God, for you give me the power to get wealth, that you may establish your covenant. Out of the abundance of my heart I shall say, “Let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” I shall meditate on and talk of your righteousness, rightness and justice, and my reason for praising you all the day long. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, when everything seems to be flying apart in my life and I feel overwhelmed, remind me to stop everything, to sit quietly, to center in on You, and to read Your Word. For only as I return to oneness with You can my harmony be restored. ... Remind me that You are my Shepherd, and I shall not want for inner peace, for strength, for confidence, and for answers, for You have promised that Your Holy Spirit will lead me into all truth and show me where I need to change. ... Thank You, Lord, for always being there for me when I turn to You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

(c) 2001 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Heavenly Father, cause the newness of life to continue to flow through my heart, that I may not be fatigued, as I struggle with discouragements. Release me from hopeless cares that I have made mine, thinking they were thine. May I trust in the boundless limit of thy mercy, and rejoice in the world of living light. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the many gifts You have given me. I do appreciate the gift of wisdom and discernment. I am grateful that You have spared me from many a heartache. Thank you also for the sound advice in the Word of God. Give me the grace and strength to always obey Your Word, as I know You know what is best for me. Bless my family and friends today and keep them from the wicked one. Thank you for Your provision for this day. Help me not to stress about tomorrow. I trust that You have all things under Your control and I believe You will take care of me and my problems. Give this same faith to others who are needing to hear from You. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

*****

Weight of Glory

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:21

Dear Father, invisible but absolutely real,

Let me not lose heart. I know from your word that my light and momentary troubles are working for me an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs them all.

Help me fix my eyes not on the things that are seen, but on the things that are unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Help me to live by faith and not by sight. I want to trust you completely.

In the name of Jesus I praise and thank you for all your great mercies and your continuing and constant grace. Amen.

*****

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all you have done for me. You do so much and yet I still ask for more. Please forgive me and guide me to be appreciative for what I have and what is truly important.