+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence

As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me.

Morning Reading: Proverbs 8:32-36 (NLT)

“And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it. Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.”

Morning Reading: Ephesians 4:29-32 (NLT)

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you. Through your cross and resurrection you offer freedom and hope to those ready to receive them. Lord, show me loving-kindness – that I may be an encouragement to others today.

+ I am a child of the day: help me to live in the light of your presence.
+ Guide my thoughts, my words, my actions: so that what I do today may please you.
+ Help me to avoid wrongdoing: show me your mercy and love.
+ Through your passion and death you have won life for me: give me the strength of your Holy Spirit.

Lord God, you hold out the light of your Word to those who do not know you. Show me loving-kindness – that I may be an encouragement to others today. Strengthen in my heart the faith you have given me, so that no trials may quench the fire your Spirit has kindled within me. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Make Me a Blessing” – Billy Graham British Crusade Choir

Out in the highways and byways of life, Many are weary and sad; Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing, Out of my life may Jesus shine; Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today.

Give as ’twas given to you in your need, Love as the Master loved you; Be to the helpless a helper indeed, Unto your mission be true.

Blessing

Christ with me, Christ in me.

Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left; Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down; Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me; Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.

Christ with me, Christ in me.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!