Thank you, Lord,
for the places I've been,
the sights I've seen,
the people I've known,
and the joy of coming home,
in Jesus' name, amen.
Travel
Saturday Psalm #49
let all who live in this world pay attention,
both low and high,
rich and poor alike,
when I speak your words of wisdom;
when from my heart I relay your message.
Turn my ears to your wisdom;
Turn my songs into true psalms from you.
Teach me (again) not to fear when evil days come,
when naysayers surround me,
when mistrust and arrogance—
mine or someone else’s—
seem to confuse everything.
You have redeemed me, O Lord,
the only One who could give a ransom for me—
and so costly, no gift of gratitude could ever be enough,
even if I should live forever
and try to repay you every day.
Everyone can see that the wisest men and women die;
the foolish and the senseless alike perish
and leave their wealth to others.
The rich leave their opulent houses,
and take up residence in eternity,
though they had buildings and institutions
named after themselves.
Likewise, my best and most passionate efforts today
will pass away, like so many moths in a flame.
So let me not trust in myself,
and get worked up over the approval or disapproval of men.
Those around me are destined for the grave just like me.
But though my efforts will perish,
your works—
through me, as well as others—
will endure,
and you will redeem my life and take me to yourself
whether I succeed or fail.
I belong to you
even if all my plans and hopes and dreams
come to naught.
Remind me that my times are in your hands:
the timing of my plenty or scarcity,
the timing of my success or failure,
the timing of who follows and who leaves,
the timing of my own coming or going,
in Jesus’ name, amen.
Our Path and Guide
Holy Father, always be our path and guide,our protection and shield,
our consolation and strength.
Set our feet, minds, and hearts onto your path of divine peace. Make your holy and divine Word, which you allow us to hear, vibrant and active in our hearts so we might please and serve you until the end of our lives. Amen.
(from the book Amish Prayers, compiled by Beverly Lewis)
Overflow with Hope
On Shakespeare's Birthday
With the help of your good hands:
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my project fails.
(lines from The Tempest, Act 5, Epilogue, by William Shakespeare)
Saturday Psalm #48
You are great, Lord,
and you deserve the greatest possible praise
here where I live
as well as in that beautiful city of God,
on your holy mountain.
I see it in my mind’s eye, Lord:
Beautiful in elevation,
the joy of the whole earth,
Mount Zion, at the pinnacle
of the city of David, the city of the great King.
You have made yourself known there, Lord;
your presence is palpable on that hill.
Make me like that city, Lord.
Make me a walking Jerusalem,
that causes people—high and low—to sing your praise,
that multitudes passing by might be amazed,
that doers of wickedness might be dismayed,
and run away from your might displayed in my life.
As you have established the city of God,
establish your work in me: firm, fast, forever.
I remember your lovingkindness, O God,
I praise you among worshiping throngs.
Your name is great, O God;
so let your praise be great, to the ends of the earth.
Your hand sows blessings all around.
Let Mount Zion be glad.
Let peace enter that city again.
Let the residents of Judah rejoice,
and acknowledge your wisdom and justice.
I remember fondly walking about Zion,
walking on her mighty walls,
and marveling at her bustling beauty.
As you established Zion, Lord,
please establish the work of my hands,
my eternal God;
be my guide through my life,
all the way to my death,
in Jesus’ name, amen.
In the Day Ahead
give me the wit, the wisdom and the will
to see what's most important in the day ahead
and, with your help, to accomplish it,
to the best of my ability...
And Lord,
give me the sense, the insight and the smarts
to see what's least important in the day ahead
lest it distract me
from doing what you ask of me...
And one more thing, Lord:
give me the grace, the guts and the game
to live this day with my heart open to you,
to my neighbor and to whatever and wherever
your Spirit may choose to lead me
today...
Amen.
(from A Concord Pastor Comments; photo via everystockphoto.com)
Saturday Psalm #47
I shout my praise of you.
Lord, Most High, you inspire awe in me.
You are the Great King of the whole world.
You subdue whole nations
and humble the mighty.
You give thought to me
and save a place for me at your table.
I cheer your every victory,
I extol your inspiring attributes.
I offer you my full-throated praise,
my King and my God.
You reign over the nations;
You are seated on your holy throne.
The highest-ranking and most powerful
people of the earth
will bow before you,
Holy and Exalted One.
(photo via everystockphoto.com)
The Chaste Path
Holy Father, may we shine as a light in the world so that when others see the chaste path we follow in Christ, they may be won over and edified through our example, even without instruction. May this serve to praise and honor your holy name, and to bring comfort and salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. O Lord, almighty God and heavenly Father! For the love and faithfulness that you demonstrate to us at all hours of every day, we faithfully praise and thank you. May you be praised forever and ever, O Lord, now and always. Amen.
(from the book Amish Prayers, compiled by Beverly Lewis)
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