Look Back

Dear God,

Remembering our past can be difficult, especially when we have memories of broken dreams, painful ordeals and unresolved conflicts. Help us to remember that in the midst of the darkness there was also the light of your grace. The moments when life seemed to offer nothing became occasions of discovering that you are everything.

When we look back today, we can see you working behind the scenes transforming our difficult moments into a means of grace. Thank God, weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning!

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Sue Burton

Potential Joy

"This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 1l8: 24

O God, let the the potential joy of this day be realized among us. You have done mighty and wonderful things for us. Forgive us when we have focused on what we didn't have, didn't get, where we didn't go, what we didn't do, what we didn't like neglecting who you are and what you did do!

Give us eyes to see, ears to hear and a tongue to glorify you. We thank you that we can bring to you what we are and have, who we strive to be, and enjoy the assurance that you can use what is little to accomplish great things. Use us today Lord for thy glory. We shall rejoice and be glad!! Amen and Amen

VMM

There's Hope!

O God, our hope and source of all life. We acknowledge today with joy the gift of life. Forgive us when we have taken for granted this precious gift or failed to redeem the time.

Lift our thoughts from self to You, from the me-soever to the whosoever; from the littleness of our deeds to the majesty and wonder of your mighty acts.

Grant us grace for another day. Send joy in the midst of sadness and forgiveness in the face of transgressions. Help us to find the strength to stand in the face of slander.

Our hope is in you, O God, to put all things right which are wrong. Open our eyes so we can see through faith that you are at work even when present circumstances deny it. In Your name, Amen

VMM

The Joy of The Lord

“ Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way. Let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

James 1: 2-3

Lord, there are times when we must confess that we cannot see troubles “ as an opportunity for joy” especially when we wrestle with the “what ifs” of life. Help us when we wonder what if things will work out; what if we can’t make it through the day; what if the problem continues; what if the check doesn’t clear; what if the prognosis is wrong; what if we can’t make ends meet; what if we can’t stay in business; what if we get paid late; what if it costs too much; what if this plan doesn’t work out or what if the report is false all threaten to rob us of your joy.

Help us to be joyful even when we face disappointments and difficult decisions. Empower us to rise above whatever tries to destroy this joy we have from you. Your joy is the strength of our lives! In Jesus name, Amen

VMM

Promised Joys

O Lord, we know that this human life is full of issues we’d rather avoid if we could. Yet you have challenged us to a life of service that promises such great joy that it makes all sacrifices worthwhile.

Forgive us when we fail to believe that nothing is impossible to you. Forgive us when fear eats away the fabric of our faith like a moth in a wool fiber factory. Forgive us when we fail to see your power and presence surrounding us or we fail to count on you to get us through tough times, rough waters and deep valleys. Thank you for being faithful to forgive us of our sins. In Jesus name, Amen

VMM

Gifted

Gracious giving God, thank you for every good and perfect gift that has come from your hand in our direction. Thank you for the expected and the unexpected gifts.

The gift of grace works powerfully within us. The gift of your love cast out all fear. The gift of your perfect peace helps us to move through strife with a supernatural calm. The gift of forgiveness encourages starting over again. The gift of joy makes our hearts sing in tough times. Help us to celebrate these and other gifts today. In Jesus name, Amen.

VMM