I praise you, God of glory, God of my soul. When you are near, I reach up and touch rainbows. When you are near, my heart glows.  When you are near, I feel the breath of your comfort. Your hand touched the world and made it beautiful. Your hand touched the dust and made a man. Your hand touched my heart and made me your child. No gold or silver, no rubies or opals can buy your love. You made it free. Oh, God, you made it free.

Lord, help me let go of offenses. Sometimes my feelings are on my shoulder where they should not be. Take my feelings away and let others be there to feel love from me.

Thank you, God of my parents, my grandparents, my ancestors of long ago. How lucky I am to have been born where people have Bibles. You were a bulwark to them, keeping them safe when they ran from the enemies of the cross. You were their shield when surrounded by egotistical religious leaders. You gave my ancestors fortitude to stand up and refuse to deny you. How courageous they were. How mighty you were to hold them up. Thank you, my mighty God.