Ah, my God, I adore you. I look up to you in awe that you, my Creator, allow me up so close to you. I am frail. I am feeble. I am made of dust. But you breathed into me the breath of life. Just think!  I have the breath of God in me.  Oh, miracle of miracles! I will return that breath to you in songs of praise. With that same breath I will extol you to the end of my days on earth, and then resume in your world before your throne forever.  As small as I am, you take time to know me ~ the good and the bad ~ and love me still, and make me your friend. More, you have made me your child. Wonder of wonders.

Lord, I still have trouble forgiving sometimes. The only way I can think to overcome it is to “bless those who curse me” as you said. Your way works. I know that. Help me remember to do it. I have to force myself to bless them, but when I do, I feel a release. Forgive me when I don’t forgive.

Thank you, Lord God, for times of worshipping with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for freedom to worship you. Thank you for your protection. Nothing can hurt me without your permission. And when sometimes I am persecuted, thank you for the privilege of standing tall, forgiving my persecutors, and declaring your majestic divinity before them. And, should I die at their hands, let it be while praising you.