O God,
early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray,
and to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
but you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
that I may answer before you and before me,
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.
Amen
[Dietrich Bonhoeffer 1906-1945]
The Rev. Ellen Meissgeier
Pastor, Resurrection Lutheran Church