Shout out to the Lutherans

My friend Sarah posted this prayer this morning, and it just really blessed me as we start a long day and a busy weekend. Last Sunday in the message I heard, the pastor talked about how sometimes Christians rely on Christ as our Eternal Savior, but we look to other things for logistical salvation, ie: something to just "get us through the day." When we do that, it becomes and idol. I was very convicted by that. Not that I think I have to give up coffee, facebook and blogging, but that I need to seek FIRST the strength, energy and grace from God, not rely on these supplments as my first line of defense on a rough day. This prayer just hit that thought on the head, especially the second line. I hope it ministers to you too!

It is from the Lutheran Book of Prayer.

*

Again, O Heavenly Father,
You have granted me strength to rise to the tasks of the day.
I thank You for Your mercy and love. Without Your power upholding me I should be unable to live.
Give me a spirit of gratitude for all Your gifts.
Above all, dear Father, keep me grateful
for the gift of forgiveness of all my sins through the merits of Jesus Christ, Your Son and my Savior.
Grant that whatever need, whatever sorrow beset my day,
my faith in this forgiveness may remain steadfast and firm.
Let no grief of pain, no doubt or gloom, come between me and the certainty of Your love.
If it is Your purpose to try me this day with difficulties for the body or the heart,
grant that I may, by Your spirit, conquer in this trial and hold fast to Your mercy,
knowing that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory You have in store for me.
Make Your Word my joy,
Your counsel my guide,
Your presence my peace.
In Jesus Christ, Your only Son and my Savior. Amen