For Refreshment in Daily Life

O God, in sunshine and rain, in work and rest, in friendship and solitude, in the common things of life you give us your very self, making bread and wine the Sacrament of your sustaining presence: strengthen and refresh us, that we may eagerly seek you, surely find you, and faithfully serve you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For Sally

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. —Prayer Book, p. 505

Guide us, Lord, in all the changes and varieties of the world; that we may have evenness and tranquility of spirit: that we may not murmur in adversity nor in prosperity wax proud, but in serene faith resign our souls to thy divinest will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
--Jeremy Taylor

O God, grant that today
       I may not disappoint any friend;
       I may not grieve any loved one;
       I may not fail anyone to whom I have a duty;
       I may not shame myself.
   Grant that today
       I may do my work with honesty and fidelity;
       I may take my pleasure in happiness and purity.
   Grant that today
       I may lead no one astray;
       I may not make goodness and faith harder for anyone.
   Help me today
       to be a help and example to all;
       to bring strength and encouragement wherever I am:
   Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
   ... William Barclay (1907-1978)

Here I am, Lord, body, heart, and soul. Grant that with your love, I may be big enough to reach the world and small enough to be at one with you.

—Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Give me modesty in my countenance, gravity in my behavior, deliberation in my speech, holiness in my thoughts, and righteousness in all my actions. Let thy mercy cleanse me from my sins, and let thy grace bring forth in me the fruits of everlasting life.

—John Cosin

Great Spirit, Grandfather, you have made everything and are in everything. Make me grateful to you for all things. I love and thank you for our beautiful mother the earth whose many breasts nourish the fish, the fowls, and the animals. May I never deceive mother earth, may I never deceive other people, may I never deceive myself, and above all, may I never deceive you. —Bishop Vine Deloria

Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gates of glory. May we who share Christ's body, live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen.