Heavenly Father,
thank You for the gift of a new day. Thank You for the sleep which has refreshed me and for the chance to begin life again today. I welcome this new day as Your gift to me, and in its first moments, I offer myself to you.
Father, I will quietly and serenely receive from Your hand the work and burden of this day: its joys, its sorrows, its challenges, its responsibilities and its opportunities. Bless this day for me, for those I love, and for all Your children. To us all, grant your provisions for our needs today and the grace to see this day in the light of eternity.
Amen.

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord.
I will keep your statutes.
146 I cry to you; save me,
that I may observe your decrees.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before each watch of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 In your steadfast love hear my voice;
O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.
150 Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near;
they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them for ever.
Psalm 119 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Micah 2:1-13 - Acts 23:23-35 - Luke 7:18-35