PRAYER & READING
Morning Prayer
O God, my Creator, and my Father, who has given me the gift of life, bless me this day as I go to the work which has been given for me to do.
I give you thanks for my work, and for the health to do it.
I thank you for skill of hand, for accuracy of eye and mind and brain, to earn a living and to do the work of a house and home.
I thank you for the friends you have given me, for those in whose company joys are special, and come alongside me when I am in sorrow and pain.
Help me today to be so cheerful, that it may make others happier to meet me.
Help me to be so true to you Lord, that I may be a strength to others.
Lord Jesus, as I begin the day with you, may your reflection be with me throughout all its hours. This I ask for your love’s sake. Amen
Matthew 5:13-16 New International Version (NIV)
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Evening Prayer
O God, the Giver of every good gift, there is so much for which I ought to give you thanks. I thank you for going out in the morning and coming home at the evening time.
I thank you for the joy of work, and for times to rest my body and relax my mind.
I thank you for the light of the morning, and for the dark of the night.
I thank you for the day with all its duties and its tasks, and for the night and kindly sleep. Help me to forget my worries in the peace that passes understanding; in the certainty that I and those I love cannot drift from your love and care.
Help me to sleep in peace and wake in strength because you are with me always.
Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
