It is getting more and more difficult, Lord, for us to keep our attention on the holy things. Our lives are caught up in the planning, parties, gifts, and other such things. We get side-tracked too easily and exhausted, we fall into restless sleep. The cries of those in need abound and we are overwhelmed by the need. Too often we turn a deaf ear because we feel we just can’t meet all the needs that are presented to us. Heal our hearts and spirits, Lord.
Help us understand that you do not ask us to heal everything but rather to find a simple way in which we might lighten someone else’s burden, as you have lightened our lives. You have brought hope and peace to us. Now cause us to rejoice in the wondrous things that you have done. Teach us to use our gifts for the common good, and that in helping, we find great and abundant joy.
In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings – Isaiah 12:2–6, Philippians 4:4–7, Luke 3:7–18