The Lord is My Pacesetter

We need to pace ourselves.  In races -- whether horse, auto, or human -- there is often one who sets the pace.  What we need is a pacesetter.  This rendition in the style of Psalm 23 by Toki Miyashina can help put your life into a better perspective.

The Lord is my Pacesetter, I shall not rush;
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity;
He leads me in the ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all-importance, will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity,
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,
For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord, and dwell in His House forever.
(H. Norman Wright - Quiet Times for Parents, 5 June)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Father, help me to live more wisely, making the most of my time instead of squandering passing days on misplaced fear, [or interests].  Brenda Wilbee, Daily Guideposts, 24 Jul 1997

Lord, help me to use my time to enrich the lives of those around me.  Billy Newman, Daily Guideposts, 31 Jul 2002

Heavenly Father, give me courage to do what I know I ought to do and to believe that I never walk alone.  Upper Room Disciplines, 28 Jul 1999

Anger rises within my heart, Lord, help me to control it and channel it in constructive ways. Wisdom from the Bible, 29 June

Renew my courage and reveal to me the promises of hope where now I see only despair.  Upper Room Disciplines, 27 Jul 1984

Words of Thomas Aquinas

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  James 1:19

Do not seek to plunge into the sea of knowledge all at once, but go there by way of the many streams that flow into it, since it is wiser to reach the more difficult things by way of the less difficult. ... I charge you to be slow to speak and slow to frequent places where men talk.  Embrace cleanness of conscience.  Be constant in prayer.  Love to dwell in your inner room if you would penetrate into the inner room of your Beloved.  Be courteous to everyone.  Do not look too deeply into the deeds of others.  Do not be overly familiar with anyone, for too great a familiarity breeds contempt and offers an occasion for being distracted from study.  Do not in any way wish to pry into the words and deeds of wordly people.  Flee from useless conversations.  Do not forget to imitate the ways of the saints and holy people.  Do not feel obliged to listen to what everyone says, but commit to memory anything good that you might hear others say. ... By these steps you will bring forth useful branches and fruits in the vineyard of the Lord of Sabaoth while life is in you.  If you walk this way, you may obtain all that your desire.  (Thomas Aquinas)

Dear God, help me to see what matters most, and to ignore the rest.

Give me strength, Creator, to face the challenges of this day.  Three Minutes a Day, Vol. 35, 25 August

Thank You, Lord, for the assurance that whatever happens, You will get me through.  Daily Guideposts, August 2003

Loving Father, in spite of the unexpected turns my life may take, help me to receive Your gift of a peaceful heart.  Mary Jane Clark, Daily Guideposts, 19 Jul 2001

Jesus, help me when the task of forgiving others becomes to heavy for me.

Father, help me to become more fruitful with age, gentle on myself and all those I meet.  Diane Komp, Daily Guideposts, 11 Jul 1994

Dear God, be with the President of the United States this day.  Give him Your strength and wisdom.  Scott Walker, Daily Guideposts, 17 Feb 1997

As David Prayed, So I Pray

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be always found acceptable in thy sight.  O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.  Amen.

Remind me, Lord, that our relationship, like any other, takes work.  Please give me the strength to cultivate it.  Three Minutes a Day, Vol. 35, 3 August

When I come to You in prayer today, dear God, may it be with simple and honest words, and an open and listening heart.  Keith Miller, Daily Guideposts, 24 Feb 1997

Dear God, please give me the gift of patience.

Lord, help me to focus on what's left, not what's gone.

Thank You, Father, for teaching me how to use my tongue - wisely.  Marion Bond West, Daily Guideposts, 11 Jul 2002

Renew my courage and reveal to me the promises of hope where now I see only despair.  Disciplines, The Upper Room, 27 Jun 1984

 

Give me the wisdom to know what I should do.

God grant me the sense of proportion to judge the difference between an incident and a crisis.  One Day at a Time, 19 October

Hear my cries, Lord, and help me in my need.

Lord, I will endeavor to accept my life; it is taking me where I need to go.  The Promise, 4 August

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Father, help us to live so that when the time comes, You can welcome us home.  Arthur Gordon, Daily Guideposts, 12 Apr 1997