A Morning Resolve

I will try this day to live a simple, sincere and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking; cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God.

In particular I will try to be faithful in those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating, and sleep which I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.

And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to thee, O Lord God my Father, in Jesus my Savior, and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

For as long as I can remember, maybe since Forward Day by Day was first published, this prayer has been on the inside back cover and the prayer For Today has been on the inside front cover. Many of you who are regular Forward readers know this of course, but I thought a closer look at it might be beneficial. I confess that I read it so routinely, I don't pay close enough attention to each intention I try to live.

After a difficult conversation yesterday, this prayer is particularly helpful to regather my thoughts and my intentions especially to "exercise carefulness in conversation." Is there any intention here that stirs you? Any habit that you might need or want to nurture? If so, let us look to God in Jesus and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit and go about our day to love and serve the Lord with kindness and singleness of heart! Amen.

Full Moon set over Mt. Mitchell as I make my morning resolve.