Lord,

You know my thoughts

     before I do.     

You knit together the threads of my being

     my mortal, mental mechanisms,

     my brain waves, my tongue.

You know my life experiences,

     the joys and hurts that have molded me.

You know what makes me work,

     what operates my actions and reactions,

     my failings, my moods.

You know my strengths,

     my weaknesses, my flaws.

Be with me as I interact with others.

Keep me focused on what I myself am doing,

     not on what others do.

Let my thoughts be positive and constructive,

     not negative and destructive.

Stop me from diving into the shallow pond of self-pity.

Let me dignify the concerns of others.

Remind me that I swim in a huge sea of humanity

     in which I must discern the needs of others

     if I am going to live harmoniously with them.

Remind me that I must love others

     who share this ocean with me

     if we are all going to find peace and joy

    instead of doubt and fear.

Show me how to find the safe havens, the buoys.

Show me how to know when I am in danger

     and lead me back to You.

Let me be Your arms and legs as I swim

     to the shore of Your eternal kingdom.

Let me always pray that I do all things

     in accordance with Your Will,

          not mine, Lord.

Let me bring honor and glory to Your name.

               Amen and amen. In Jesus' name.