A Prayer of Self Dedication

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For the Victims of Addiction

Blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.

Psalm 122

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
"May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.
8 For my brethren and companions' sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.
9 Because of the house of the LORD our God, *
I will seek to do you good."

For Those Who Suffer Mental Illness

Father, we lift up to you those who suffer from mental illness. It is so much more difficult to navigate our medical system when our ability to think is under attack. Give grace to their psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers who give aid to these your children. Assure your children of your love for them despite their actions which seem to others to be out of control. Give grace to their families who struggle to understand and to help them. Guard them in their weakened state from attacks by evil, especially drug and alcohol abuse.

Help us all to respond in grace to those you place in our lives rather then with fear or anger. Help us to minister your love to our friends and loved ones while not enabling them to further damage their lives. Guard and protect those whose minds are so damaged that they are not able to guard and protect themselves. These are truly the "least of these" who find a special place in your heart. Make our hearts soft to care for them as you do.

Matthew 21

Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?"

Isaiah 12

Surely, it is God who saves me; *
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *
and he will be my Savior.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *
from the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say, *
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;

Psalm 118:4-9 Confitemini Domino

Let those who fear the LORD now proclaim, *"His mercy endures for ever."

I called to the LORD in my distress; *the LORD answered by setting me free.

The LORD is at my side, therefore I will not fear; *what can anyone do to me?

The LORD is at my side to help me; *I will triumph over those who hate me.

It is better to rely on the LORD *than to put any trust in flesh.

It is better to rely on the LORD *than to put any trust in rulers.