We welcome this day with open arms, Father, because we choose to see it as an opportunity to overcome all the fears that held us back before. Every fear that caused us to stumble at one time or another has come out into the open and are being presented to us, for us to make a choice of whether to react with fear, or to stay calm, focused and patient. Father we ask for your light to always shine so that we may see clearly enough to choose the high road over the low. By staying grounded in faith, we maintain our balance in order to choose our reactions from the heart, rather than panic.

You have prepared us well, Father and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Light by holding steady with patient expectation. As 2Peter states “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.” We know that our lives have been made strong by all that we’ve been through so that we may have the patience to see any obstacle as a door. You have carefully shepherded us so that we have everything we need to overcome and stay firmly in the light.

Please bless us, our families and loved ones, keeping us all firmly in the light. James tells us “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” We know we are being made ready to receive your joyful promise Father, so we are staying steady in our strength of faith and choosing the higher, lighter path in all we do.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen