I realize that sometimes this blog can make it seem like I have a lovely, holy, prayer-filled, pious life. That I sit around all day reading scripture and coloring in my prayer journal. So I feel compelled to tell you that I re-started my daily morning prayer practice two days ago. So grateful to the Holy Spirit (and an oddly helpful book, A Mother’s Rule of Life—more on this later) for giving me a good swift kick.

Feeling the need to be particularly loyal to my Mennonite tradition, this morning I picked up Take our Moments and Our Days and prayed the order for week 1: Thursday morning. As I prepare to leave tomorrow for the Western District Conference Assembly, here are some of the words God provided:

Save us from the time of trial.

Do not disappoint me; you are my refuge.

My hope is in you.

My heart is ready, O God;
I will sing your praise.
Your steadfast love is higher than the heavens
and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

Not what I want, but what you want. (Matthew 26:39)

So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. (I Corinthians 10:12-13)

Don’t be afraid, my love is stronger than your fear. And I have promised to be always near.

This was the oath you swore to our father Abraham: . . . to set us free . . . to worship you without fear, holy and righteous before you, all the days of our life. . . . In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:73-75, 78-79)

Do not worry about anything.

Your power protects us in times of trouble.
Your Spirit comforts those who endure trials.
You hold your people securely in your care.
Deepen our trust in the mystery of your power shining through Christ Jesus, that we may live your love for the world.

Amen.