Father,
You reward obedience and diligence.
You reward good work, and a job well done is its own reward. O Lord, help me to remember that. Help me to concern myself with building character in my life rather than glorying in the surface results. Teach me not to waste opportunities but to value those contributions You allow me to make to the Kingdom. And I promise to do all I can to use my time wisely and give my best to my work. Thank You for the blessing of work. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
as they sit around your table.
4 That is the Lord’s blessing
for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
May Israel have peace!
Psalm 128 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Kings 23:4-25 – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 – Matthew 9:18-26