This Day Is a Gift

This is the day that the Lord has made;              let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

This Day Is a Gift

This day is a gift, O God.
It is a gift you have given to me.
This day is a clean slate, a blank canvas,
  nothing but opportunity ahead of me,
  abundant blessings waiting to be received.
I look forward to the encounters with your grace,
  your mercy,
    your steadfast love.
I expect your goodness, because that's who you are.
This day is a gift, O God.
Thank you.

This day is a gift, O God.
It is a gift that I offer to you. 
I dedicate myself today to your service:
  to be an instrument of your grace,
  to offer help to your people in need,
  to manifest your loving kindness,
  to speak words of hope and encouragement,
  to chip away at divisions and barriers that separate,
  to welcome the stranger,
  to extend your comforting presence to the lonely.
I will use the clean slate 
  and the blank canvas you have given to me,
  to make something beautiful for you.
That is my prayer, for I love you.

This day is my gift to you, O God.