Oh God, our Heavenly Father, Thank you for all your many blessings.
In today’s Gospel your Son teaches, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.”
He promises that whoever loses his life for his sake will find it, so I lay down my own wants today and take up the life you have for me.
Help me to put you first in all things, dear Father, above every comfort and every fear, and to follow after you with my whole heart.
Your Son also says that whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of his little ones will surely not lose his reward, so make me quick to welcome, to give, and to serve in your name.
In your first word today the woman of Shunem made a small room for your prophet with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, and you remembered her kindness and blessed her with the son she longed for.
Let me make room for you in my house and in my heart as she did, and trust that you see and reward every quiet act of welcome.
Saint Paul reminds me that I was buried with Christ in baptism so that I too might live in newness of life, dead to sin and living for God.
Raise me up into that new life, and let me think of myself as truly alive in Christ Jesus.
Thank you for the blessings I have already received, and thank you for the blessings still coming toward me, my household, and all I love.
Provide for me, for mine, and for my family with your abundance, your wealth, and your mighty force.
Comfort me and calm every worry, and steady my heart in the midst of trouble.
Repair what is tottering, restore what has been broken in body, mind, and spirit, and make me whole again.
Strengthen me with your strength, fill me with your wisdom, and guide me by your light.
Heal me and heal those I love, and let your healing reach far beyond what I can see.
Forgive me my trespasses and my many shortcomings, as I forgive those who trespass against me, and release the burdens I carry so I may walk free.
Keep your hand upon me and my family, and deliver us from all evil.
We also have a silent request.
We offer you a promise of this cup of cold water given to one in need today, and we ask that you accept it.
I lift up my family, my friends, and all your children, and I place their needs and their well-being into your care.
Watch over them, provide for them, and draw them close to you.
I surrender myself and all that I am to you, trusting fully in your will.
Bless me, bless my family, and bless all who hope in you.
We pray these things to you our Lord God, through Christ. And It Is So.