Presence

It is always nice to be in the presence of friends. You, O Lord, are my closest and truest friend. May I never forget the friend I have in You.

Freedom

Lord, I let go of the worries, resentments and fears
that I can sometimes hold on to so tightly.
Let me open my hands and my heart to receive freely
all the gifts that I need at this time.

Consciousness

Lord, grant that I may always desire
to spend time in Your presence.
May I not forget Your goodness to me.
Guide me to share Your blessings with others.

The Word of God

⁷“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

⁹“Pray, then, in this way:

Our Father in heaven, may your name be revered as holy.

¹⁰May your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹Give us today our daily bread.^{, 12}And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ¹³And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.^,

¹⁴“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Inspiration

The phrases of the Our Father may be very familiar to me. I let just one of them offer itself now; I take time to let it sink in again and take it with me through the day.

Debts, evil and trespasses are all brought before God and assume their proper place. I am drawn to God, being made holy, nourished and forgiven.

Conversation

Do I notice myself reacting as I pray with the Word of God?
Do I feel challenged, comforted, angry?
Imagining Jesus sitting or standing near me,
I speak out my feelings, as one trusted friend to another.

Conclusion

Filled with the loving presence of God,
I ask Him to bless me and guide my steps
as I go to do His work in my daily life.

Amen