A Concord Pastor Comments: Monday Morning Offering: AUGUST 19

Image: George Mendoza

Good morning, good God!

Some words from the psalms
   have been echoing in my heart and in my prayer:
      Lord, you're my strength, my fortress, my deliverer...

Be my strength when I'm weak and tired:
give me rest when my problems keep me awake
and wake me when sleep's an escape from my troubles.
Be strength in my arms when I don't want to work.
Be strength in my soul when self-pity takes hold.
Be strength in my spirit when anger's in charge.

I need you, Lord:
   my strength, my fortress, my deliverer...

Be my fortress, Lord:
when all's gone wrong, be my shelter and comfort;
when I feel attacked, be my walls of defense;
when I've no place to go, let your heart be my home.
Be my fortress, Lord:
a haven of safety when I'm alone and afraid;
a stronghold of trust when I've no one to lean on,
a harbor of peace when the waters are troubled...

I need you, Lord:
   my strength, my fortress, my deliverer...

Deliver me from all that holds my heart captive.
Keep me from what leads me astray from the truth.

Deliver me from all that burdens my soul.
Keep me from any who keep me from you.

Deliver me from all that brings me no good.

Keep me from owning what wants to own me.

I need you, Lord:
   my strength, my fortress, my deliverer...

Help me know my weakness
   and my need for your power to help me go on:
I need you, Lord, my strength...

Help me know how vulnerable I am
   and my need for the refuge you offer me:
I need you, Lord, my fortress...

Help me know how lost I can be
   and my need for your wisdom to guide and save me:
I need you, Lord, my deliverer...

I need you, Lord:
   my strength, my fortress, my deliverer...

I offer you this prayer as my week begins, Lord:
   may I not wait to fail before praying for strength,
   may I not run in fear before resting in you,
   may I not give up before finding my help in your love...

So I pray this Monday morning, Lord,
   and all this day and night

and through the week ahead...

Amen.