The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush

 The Good Shepherd, Sadao Watanabe, via Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
 
The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush,
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,
He provides me with images of stillness,
    which restore my serenity.
He leads me in the ways of efficiency;
    through calmness of mind,
    and his guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
    I will not fret for his presence is here.
His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
    by anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility,
    my cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,
    for I shall walk in the pace of my Lord,
    and dwell in his house for ever.
 
Toki Miyashina, Japanese poet
 
_________________
 
The Lord is my shepherd 
    I shall not want.
 
 
 

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whatever this day may bring

Photo by Raphael Nast on Unsplash  
Triune God,
    my Creator and my Savior,
    this day belongs to you.  My time is in your hands.
Holy merciful God,
    my Creator and my Savior,
    my Judge and my Redeemer,
    you know me and all my ways and doings.
You hate and punish evil in this and in that world
    without regard for the person.
You forgive sins
    of those who ask you sincerely,
and you love the good and reward it
    on this earth with comfort of conscience
    and in the world to come with the crown of righteousness.
 
Before you I think of all of my own . . .
Lord, have mercy on me. . . .
 
Lord, whatever this day may bring, 
    may your name be praised.
 
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1906 – 1945, German Lutheran theologian and martyr
 
______________________________
 
 
Answer me quickly, Lord;
    my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
 

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