The Sacredness of the Everyday

Father, Son, Spirit, wonderful and mysterious God of us all, we profess that You are indeed mysterious to us.  You are so beyond what or who we can image You to be that we are lost in wonder and made speechless in awe.  There are no words which can truly describe the fullness of Your nature... and yet... You urge us to see You through everyday images like Father, Shepherd, Bridegroom - even as Friend!  Forgive us when we don't recognise You with us the everyday times of our lives.  Forgive us when we think You can't be interested in or bothered with the commonality of our daily existence.  You bless us with every day! May we give You the glory and praise in the midst of the normal, everyday times, each and every day.  For each moment is sacred.  Each second is created as a gift from You, FatherSonSpirit, mysterious and awesome God of the everyday.  Amen!

In perspective

Heavenly Father, You are the One I should turn to first, not as a last resort. Thank You for calling me to Your side and inviting me to sit with You.  You help me to keep things in perspective, especially when the world seems to be flying off in terrible directions.  It can be such a scary place and I am so blessed to be able to crawl up into Your lap and listen to Your heart beat, reminding me of the strength of Your love.  Forgive me when I am cynical.  Forgive me when I doubt You or Your intentions.  Forgive me when I lose touch with Your overwhelming care and compassion, Your protection and encouragement.  Thank You, blessed Son, for holding onto me through whatever darkens my life.  I am washed in Your comfort and indescribable goodness, O Holy Spirit.  May Your praise be always on my lips and in my heart - forever and ever and ever, may I hear the angles sing!  Amen. 

Walking in preparation

Heavenly Father, Emmanuel, how thankful I am that You are with us. It is so easy to get lost in the crowds of Christmas. When we don't hold tight to Your hand we can be lured away by the false glitter of consumerism instead of the true gold of the Magi. We can be pulled away by the busyness of occupation instead of leaving it all to give top priority to seeking You with the shepherds. We can be diverted by the popularity of parties instead of the quiet ponderings of Mary and Godly dreams of Joseph. Help us to hold You close and to walk with You through these days of preparation. Help us to celebrate Your birth, O God-with-us, now and forever - Amen.

Surrounding love

Loving and Merciful Father-God, even when it's raining it's a beautiful day with You.  Thank You for being behind the clouds and the showers of my life, ready to bless me with the light and warmth of Your Son.  Throughout this day, keep me mindful of Your presence.  When the night begins to fall, keep my thoughts on Your protection.  When it deepens into the darkness, keep me wrapped in Your peace.  Where there is pain to endure, grant relief and comfort.  Where there are decisions to be made, make the way clear and fill thoughts with tranquility. Thank You that You surround me with Your never-ending love. Even when I cannot feel it, You are with me.  Glory, dominion and power are unto the Father Son Spirit, forever and ever - Amen.

Eyes of a child

O Father-God, give me the eyes of a child.   Help me to see anew the wonders of Your creation and the love with which You long to fill it.  This day, this night, in all that surrounds me, enable me to see You, my Christ, my Saviour, my All. When the evil of the world attempts to shut You out and throw us into darkness, break through O Glorious Light and illuminate the reality of goodness and mercy.  Forgive me when I am despondent and allow circumstances to dictate my joy, rather than opening myself to the glories of Your grace and ever-present comfort.  You are my peace, O Christ.  You are the very breath I breathe, O Spirit.  Give me the eyes of a child, that I may see You each hour, each moment, for all eternity, dear Heavenly Father of All.  May I, by Your grace, hear the angels sing.  Amen. 

Precious Day

Loving Father-God, this day is precious.  Whatever is held within its hours is a gift beyond measure!  Your blessings flow out upon us, regardless of the circumstances that surround us.  Hold those who sorrow and fill them with Your comfort.  Uplift those who are despondent and give them the glow of hope. Strengthen those with decisions to be made and enable them to hear Your guidance.  Where there is disease and injury, bring Your healing of wholeness. Where there is anger, pour out Your peace.  Where relationships are broken, speak Your mending.  Wrap the lonely in Your arms.  Where dreams are faltering, instill Your true vision. Where there is hunger and thirst, cold and lack of shelter, a lack of justice or compassion, please show us how to share, O Holy Spirit.  May we be Your hands, Your voice, Your love.   Forgive us, merciful Saviour, for wanting our own way and our continuing reluctance to follow You in deed as well as in word.  There is so much possibility in each day.  Don't let us waste it.  Don't let us regret it.  Don't let us use it for anything we'd be ashamed to share with You.  May we indeed count our blessings - and remember that You are the greatest blessing of all!  May each day be full of Thanks-giving!  Alleluia! Amen!  

Comfort

Dear Heavenly Father, it's so sad when what we love divides us.  Give us hearts that are true to You and courage to be faithful, even when it would be easier and more comfortable to remain silent or to slip into the background via compromise or even - heaven forbid! - to deny You.  You have warned us again and again that the world wouldn't love us and that there would be persecution and trial if we love You and keep Your commandments.  Forgive us for not believing You.  I don't want to be a fair-weather Christian, Lord, but it's hard to be a follower when so many turn away.  Help me to love with Your love; to love even when it hurts, even when loving You divides me from others.  Lord, in Your mercy, heal all broken hearts, mend relationships that are torn, renew a right spirit within Your people.  And comfort us, Lord.  Comfort Your people and hold us within Your nail-scarred hands.  Not because we deserve it, but because You are our only hope and salvation, the One on whom we depend.  Amen.