As I watch the sunrise from Ventnor pier, I am reminded that God has not promised me a trouble-free day.

So as I begin this day, I thought the following prayer might be appropriate.

My Father in Heaven,

Today I may get really bad news or face a real tragedy. You never promised that life will be easy. In fact, Jesus promised that in this world I will have trouble.

Today I will certainly be confronted by events that are contrary to my wishes. If nothing else, I am living proof of Paul’s statement that the outer man is fading. As I heard someone say, “The older I get, the better I was.”

I am also aware that my thoughts and motivations are not yet fully in line with your two great commands to love you with my entire being and love my neighbor as myself.

Yet I know that I have much for which I should be, and try to be, grateful. 

I was able to walk to the ocean and watch the sunrise this morning. I have never unwillingly missed a meal. I’m laughing as I watch the sandpipers scurry in the surf. These are some of the physical blessings for which I am grateful. 

Better than these are the spiritual blessings you give me.

Paul tells me that I have every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies at my disposal. Yet I feel like I have barely begun to understand the implications of this.

Thank you for calling me into relationship with you through Jesus Christ.

I ask two things of you this morning. 

Give me greater vision to see the multitude of blessings you will bring my way today.

Grant me the ability to accept the hard things without complaining in the full knowledge that you will use them for my good and your glory.

Amen.

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