But you, Israel my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham, whom I love, you whom I took from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “ You are my servant; I chose you and didn’t reject you ”: Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand. ~Isaiah 41:8-10 (CEB)
“My God, in these quiet moments I caught a glimpse of your vision for me. Inspire me, my God, to carry into the everydayness of my life all to which I aspire at such a moment as this. May my faith have feet and hands, a voice and a heart, that it may minister to others- that the gospel I profess may be seen in my life.
I go this hour to encounter the routine of duty with a new vision. Equip me for my common tasks, that I may this day apply myself to them with fidelity and devotion. And not for myself alone do I pray:
Bless homemakers, mothers, and servants, who minister in the home and who maintain sacred sanctuaries to which tired persons return at the end of day.
Bless doctors and nurses. May their work reflect God’s love and pity to those who leave this earth today.
Bless the teachers, the school administrators, and those who labor to keep school buildings clean and pleasant for those who study and learn there.
Bless coal miners and all who toil in grime and darkness, that we may enjoy clean and pleasant lives.
May your blessing rest upon all men and women who minister to others. May each one come to know the joy of partnership with you.
I give this prayer to you who inflames my soul with vision and desire, that I may be a faithful laborer in the fields you have assigned to my stewardship. Help me to be a good and faithful steward.” ~Norman Shawchuck
Help me to take a moment this day Lord to not take so much for granted. May I remember all who work so hard yet go unseen. Amen.
Pieces of the Puzzle 