Father,
You give me abundant strength.
You know, Lord, that I want to do what is right. My heart cries out for it. And yet, I simply cannot accomplish it in my own strength. I find myself distracted by circumstances, swayed by the opinions of others, side-tracked by personal needs and concerns. I need Your strength. Open my heart to receive what I need from Your hand this day. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me.
4 Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.
6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me;
he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
Psalm 101 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 22:29-45 – 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15 – Matthew 5:1-10