Lead me well, Lord Jesus, along the path of earthly sorrow. The way home is fraught with trouble; for all have strayed and fall short of Your glory. Allow my soul to recognize Your mercy within the bittersweet drops of affliction that taint the wine of prosperity. I know in truth that much blessing comes with much risk. For within the territory of affluence lies the snare of blindness, the trap of ingratitude and the pit of pride. Lord, I am weak with desire for ease, even when I know Your hard lessons profit my soul. Be my strength, Lord Jesus. Remind me to yoke myself to You so that the heavy burden of my cross is not set aside, but embraced for the glory of Your Name. I am a frail flower who will not always bloom with active service. When the time for sickness is appointed to me, Lord, enable me to bring You glory in the suffering – when earnest Kingdom activity is a memory of the past. Let my faith bring me to abiding love, Jesus, so that the roots of hope reach deep within my heart until a garden of peace blooms within, reflecting Your beauty. Though my days are few, let them be an offering to my King. Under the mighty Word of Psalm 90:8, 12, 14 and the authority of Christ, I humbly pray.

You have set our iniquities before You,
    our secret sins in the light of Your presence.
So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love,
    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:8, 12, 14