Father,
You calm my spirit.
No matter what is bothering me -- a missed deadline, a traffic jam, an argument with my spouse, a financial situation, a sick child who won't stop crying, a friend who has let me down -- no matter what --- You are always there to ease my troubled mind and help me deal with the crisis. Thank You, Lord, for giving me the confidence that no matter how many frustrations pile up, You will always give me the strength and stamina to handle them. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Psalm 51 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Isaiah 61:1-9 - 2 Timothy 3:1-17 - Mark 10:32-45