I have noticed the Bible opens here quite frequently. Whether it is because the crease here is beginning to wear or God is directing me to these words, the words are always welcome:
The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5-7
Our days seem wrought with anxiety, stress and worry. Am I on the right path, did I make the right decision, could I have done that better, should I exercise more, should I worry about GMO, is my future secure, is my family healthy… Am I living a life that is pleasing to God?
The Bible tells us there is an easy solution: “in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”
God, I ask you to relieve my stress, anxiety and worry. I long for your peace. Help me to remember that our earthly worries are only temporary. Help me to keep my focus with you.
Sufficient Grace 
I think this also goes well with this past Sunday’s Gospel and with Fr. Tim’s homily. He talked about trusting in God, to put God first and build that personal relationship with God. He said it’s not always easy but to pray and trust. I get a verse of the day from my bible app and today’s verse is “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7. I need to be brave, use the power of prayer and the power of the spiritual gifts He gave me, and practice the power of self-control not only to avoid what is not pleasing to God, but to be obedient and to do what I am being called to do no matter how difficult it might seem.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be brave. Help me to trust in you and know you will provide all I need to do your will. Remind me to pray and to ask you for your guidance. I know Lord, that you will take care of me. I know I will find peace and joy in you. Lord, Thy will be done.
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