Eternal God,
you are kind, just and full of compassion.
Let your ears be attentive to my voice today.
Listen to my cry for mercy.

The cords of death entangled me.
The anguish of the grave took hold of me.
I was overwhelmed by trouble and fear.
I slid down to the depths,
and I thought there was no one to help.
But then long arms reached down to me –
strong arms of love
pulled me up from the grave.
You let my eyes see the sky again,
and you set my feet firmly on the ground
that I may walk with you
and with those I love all my days.
Let my soul find rest in you once more, O God,
for you have been good to me.

How can I repay you
for your generosity?
What can I do or say to thank you
for the gift of life you give?
Make me mindful of how precious life is –
each week, each day, each hour.
Let every morning that meets my eyes find me more
humble, gentle, grateful and joyful.
Let every friend or stranger
read the truth in my face –
that in life and in death I belong to you
for I am held tightly
in arms of eternal love.

Lord I take up the cup of your saving love today,
and I drink it down to the bottom.

(after Psalm 116)