As evening comes, Lord,
I want to thank you for all the times you spoke to me today
- but I missed what you said
because I was too busy and distracted
or day dreaming, paying no attention
or because I made no time for prayer today,
quiet time to listen for your voice and for your word...
And I want to thank you, Lord
for all the times today when you nudged me in the right direction
- but I took a wrong turn nonetheless
because I wasn't looking for your guidance
or thought I didn't need your help
or because I figured my way was better than yours
- and we both know where that kind of thinking lands me...
And I want to thank you, Lord,
for all the times today you invited me to share in your work
- but I didn't lend a hand, I didn't help you out
because I was too self-absorbed to see my neighbor's need
or because I was just plain lazy and chose not to get involved
or didn't trust you'd help me do
what seemed beyond my strength and skill...
And I want to thank you, Lord,
for all the times today you showed me something beautiful
- but I walked on by and didn't stop to look
because I was lost in my own interests
or too busy to put my day on pause,
or some bling, bright and shiny, caught my eye
and so I missed your simple gifts in nature:
exquisite, free, divine and tagged for me...
So I pray tonight, Lord, that tomorrow:
- I'll make more time for prayer to hear the word you speak
- I'll follow where you lead me with your wisdom and your grace
- I'll get off my butt and lend a hand to those I meet in need
- I'll open wide my eyes to see your beauty, all around me
'Til then, Lord, 'til tomorrow,
protect me while I lie awake
and guard me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
When
looking for tonight's song, Godspell's Day By Day came to mind but I
wanted something more reflective in tone - that's when I came across
Victor Johnson's setting of these well known lyrics which are
attributed to St. Richard of Chichester (1197-1253).
Day By Day by Victor Johnson
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Day by day, day by day, day by day,
O dear Lord, three things I pray:
to see thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
follow thee more nearly,
day by day.
Still hankering for Godspell?
OK - here it is!
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I enjoyed the Day by Day version by Victor Johnson, but you read my mind! I was still hankering for the Godspell version. Thanks so much!🙏🏻
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