Thanks be to you O God for sustaining my life to this point. So many times O God, I look and see but do not perceive, I hear and listen but do not understand. Till the barren soil of my heart today O God, and fertilize it with your love, your mercy, your patience and compassion, so that in that soil, your Word can take root, blossom and bear fruit in plenty. Guard, guide and defend me Father from those who would sow seeds of hatred and envy, mistrust and deceit. And when my todays are no more, let me rest with you in the place reserved for your struggling disciples.