Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4-7)
Lord, Giver of light and fountain of everlasting joy
Creator of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them
Merciful and gracious sovereign,
Who works all things according to the counsel of your immutable will,
Who stoops to comfort the lowly and brings low the haughty,
Who took my curse upon yourself, my sin,
Who works all things together for good for those who love you,
Who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love,
Forgive me for not rejoicing at all times and in all circumstances.
Your mercies are abundant every day, and all that I enjoy is a gift from you. You teach me to walk in your paths and
be humble before you.
Forgive me for fear and unreasonableness which I put on display for all men.
You are the light of the world and you commanded us to let our light shine among men – cause me to shine!
Forgive me for anxiousness, for hinting to others of my own sacrifice. Lord, I’ve never made a sacrifice, and I have no grounds for boasting except in your sacrifice for me.
Forgive me for not coming to you with every need,
As if I could do anything apart from you. Take all my cares and help me, for I know you are mighty.
Forgive me for living with an ungrateful grumbling rather than a mesmerized thanksgiving.
You delivered me from Pharaoh with your mighty hand, and now I’m grumbling though you lead me toward the Promised Land.
Father, forgive me for these hidden faults, cleanse them from my heart by the blood of your Son Jesus, and fill me with your Spirit that I may taste and see and savor the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.