Heavenly Father, today we sent off our youngest daughter to camp for a week. Earlier this week, we put our oldest on the plane to return to college in the USA. We never quite get used to parting from our children. Even knowing that we are sending them to good places, to learn and develop their character and knowledge.

How hard it must have been for you to send your Son to this earth, knowing the purpose for which he came. To guide him day by day toward that final hour in Jerusalem. To turn your back at the moment he cried for you not to abandon him.

Such a love -- for that's exactly what it is -- is beyond me, Father. But I am glad for it. A Father's love, to bring many children to you.

By means of the Elder Brother. Amen.

Lord and Savior, I remember the day I was baptized, how I felt totally clean, completely forgiven. The joy of the moment nearly burst my heart, so glad did I feel. How long I had waited, a timid, fearful adolescent; how long I had prayed for you to put off Jesus' return, for I knew I was not ready.

Let me carry that day with me today. Let that same feeling of forgiveness and purity cover me, that same gratitude swell within the breast, that same peace surround me. For that day was the most important day of all, when I met you.

Through Christ who presented me. Amen.

Compassionate God, your help comes in many ways and forms. The Antioch Christians helped the Judean saints by sending donations. Apollos helped the Achaians in his preaching. Phoebe helped Paul in ministering to him. He also hoped the Corinthians would help him on his journey, and asked the Romans to help him on a projected mission to Spain. He thanked the former for the help they gave him by their prayers, as well as the Philippians.

How often our help comes through others, Lord, help you provide, support you put before us for our growth, strength, and ministry.

So when we approach your throne to receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need, let us not miss those people you put around us to provide it. Let us seek them out and not think we must go it alone.

In him who faced the cross alone, so that we might have you. Amen.

Eternal God, you have given us time enough to do all we need to do. More than that is our piling on of extraneous activity. Give us courage to cut away the chaff and resist the promise of time-savers that catch us up in accelerating circles.

Keep us going, Lord, one day at a time, while we focus on our Savior's coming. Amen.

Lord God, creator of the universe, you speak and things come into being, your very glance wilts the mountains and your breath melts the glaciers.

How small my efforts seem in your sight! How little we do compared to your marvelous deeds and considering the needs of the billions of souls on this earth!

But so have you determined it shall be, that the kingdom is as a mustard seed that grows to great height.

As is your kingdom, may be our faith, the seed that grows to your glory.

For Christ came as a child to become the perfect sacrifice for all mankind. Amen.