God, This morning, I noticed again the small things I take for granted. A warm blanket to sleep under. A warm well-ordered home. A fire to watch. Hot coffee to taste and smell. A pill for my ailments. A laptop to engage the world. A dog who snuggles beside me. The cold and white light of the refrigerator. Hot water in a shower. A sharp blade for a shave. All are small things before I even see another face. I open up your Scripture, and read your words of love for me, the story of your love for my whole human family. I am grateful. And [...]

God, Thank you for the givers. For those who give their time and energy to causes they believe in. For those who say “I’ll do it” when there is something to be done. For those who give of themselves and resources beyond what is expected. For those who take the time to visit for an hour when the business was done in a few minutes. For those who are effusive in praise and affirmation. For those whose incredible generosity keep the institutions of our world afloat. For those who walk two miles when asked to walk one, who give not just their [...]

God, Your prophets have called me to repent. To turn. To face a new direction. But like those who were baptized by John, I ask “what, then, shall I do?” Will you show me the course corrections I need to make? Will you show me the actions I need to take to move forward in the direction to which you call me? Where I am stuck in wrong thinking, enlighten me. Where I am stuck in laziness, motivate me. Where I am stuck in the inertia of habit, Where I am stuck in loyalty to group or tribe, remind me that I [...]

God, Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far... Thank you so much, God. Looking back, it has all been grace. All the relationships, the opportunities, the joy - all are a gift from you. Grace was evident in all the ways you blessed me in all the wonderful times of my life so far. Grace held me up during hard times. Grace brought healing to the wounded places in my heart. Grace let me catch glimpses of a north star when I was confused. Grace forgave my [...]

God, Most of the time, the love you show me is like the air I breathe. It sustains me each and every moment, but I am not really aware of it. I go through my days with the assurance of my salvation, but my focus is on the tasks and opportunities each hour provides. Every once in a while, however, it washes over me – just the sheer wonder and amazement of your love for me, shown in Jesus Christ. In these amazing moments, I experience your powerful and loving presence as a jolt of lightning, a breath of fresh air. All [...]

God, I wish I was as sure about some things as some people seem about everything. I have lots of questions. A parent leaves children in an apartment for months to fend for themselves. How can this be? A woman who is in constant, chronic pain beams with happiness and joy every time I see her. How can this be? A family who flees from genocide can find no place safe to live. How can this be? The doctor tells the couple they will probably never have a baby biologically, and months later they find themselves miraculously holding a newborn baby. How can [...]

God, Thank you for those who serve. Thank you for all our veterans, those who chose to serve my country and serve me as part of the armed services. Thank you for those who serve right now. I know that too often I take my safety and freedom for granted, and I forget that there are so many who have given a piece of their lives for that purpose. Thank you for first responders, for law enforcement and firefighters and paramedics, on whom we count when we need help the most, and who are agents of your order, and [...]

God, I make plans, but things change. I have my agenda, but it doesn’t all come to pass in the way I would like it to. Perhaps I must consider plan B. I pray that you would help me to know when to press forward with plan A, and when to turn to plans B, C, or Z. And whatever happens, may I give up and give in to whatever you have in mind for my life. Amen.

God of love, You know the woman I met yesterday whose heart was broken, who wondered if she could keep on going? She said she could only do it for the sake of her children. I pray for her today. Give her strength to take one more step, not just for them, but for herself as well. You know my friend who is struggling with addiction? He has made it a couple of weeks, but he says it is really hard. He tells me it is one day, even one hour at a time. I pray that you will help him stay [...]