Dear God,

It is a good day today…many of us have so many things going on, but it is a good day… simply because we woke up this morning, and the sun rose…and we are able to be with you…today we recognize, celebrate and know your love and grace, and it’s a good day.

God, as good as this time is, there are so many struggles we have during our weeks…there is so much stress, so much doubt…there is so much pain and so much fear. God, we don’t know how to live the way you want us…we face so many situations in our lives at work at school at home and we don’t know how to be the people you want us to be…and it can be so frustrating, and dis-heartening.
Ultimately God, we want to be great at following you, we want to be fulfilled, we want to leave a mark on this world. God help us to remember what makes us great. Help us to remember what leaves the most lasting mark. God, help us to remember you. In all that we do, where ever we are, whatever trails we may be facing, help us to remember that because of you, we can reach out to others. Help us to remember that because of your Holy Spirit in our lives, we can show love for all we come across, and that we from where we are can help whoever is in need, whoever is in darkness or hurt or despair.

God, thank you. Thank you for this day, for all we have. Thank you for your love that will never be taken away from us…thank you for your Spirit that makes all things possible. In the name of your Son, love incarnate...

Amen.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen.