Lord God who is spirit, you know how much I hate to shave every morning. Scraping off the stubble from my face irritates more than my skin! Yet, and yet, how many handicapped would enjoy doing those simple movements! And what ease, with foam and three blades set just so, to whisk off the whiskers without much danger to myself. And in hot water to boot. Some even do it electrically! A far cry from years ago when the barber did it for a fee with a long blade.

In the small tasks of life, Lord, even in these you have shown your blessing. How much more so in the eternal things! Through him whose beard grew as well, Amen.

Holy Father, the children are so small and fragile. They know little of this world, they are ignorant of the great evils lurking beyond the doors of their homes.

Protect the children, Lord, from verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, from neglect and lack of love, from unrealistic expectations and demands, from pressures to grow up too soon, from broken homes and dysfunctional relationships.

And make us, Lord, like the children, in order that we may teach them to become like you.

Through the Christ who became a child in the flesh. Amen.

Lord, when the winds of life rage about us, questions and doubts raise their heads. Let our faith remind us of those great certainties that we do know, in order that the hidden things may not remove us from the path of righteousness. We know there is no treating you as an equal, for your power, love, and knowledge stretch high above us, as the heavens arch above the earth. Strengthen our faith, Father, that we may hang on to you when the gales carry all else away. Amen.

Gracious and merciful Lord, you provide food for those who fear you, not only physical food, but spiritual as well. Each of us has needs that, because of upbringing, present situations, or personality deficiencies, seem to overwhelm us. Those needs cry out for immediate gratification.

Let your sufficiency penetrate our hearts. May your fullness provide where we are empty. Fill us with your presence and make us satisfied with your blessing.

If our specific need must go unsatisfied, we will sate ourselves with your salvation. Because our food is Jesus himself. Amen.

[Pertinent passages: Psalm 111:4-5]

Blessed Lord, we remember the third anniversary of 9/11, when perverse men, in the name of religion, killed thousands of innocent civilians. The effort continues to rid the earth of their ilk. It is no easy task.

This date reminds Christians that Satan's efforts against us are as underhanded, dastardly, and shameless as those of the terrorists. Let us not be ignorant of his methods, nor be caught unawares in his traps. Deliver us from the evil one. Give us strength to resist the devil. We want to be rid of him. We know it requires effort and diligence and perseverance. But we know we can send him running, for our Master overcame him. Amen.