This is the time of year when certain prayers from childhood come to mind, such as:

“From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!”

Somehow adding an “ies” to the various things that go “bump” makes them seem a little less ghoulish or ghostly.  Nevertheless, we each have our list of things from which we would ask God to deliver us.  What is on your list?  Let us pray:

“Gracious and Sovereign Lord, who utters a word and even the sea and waves obey, free us from the burden of our fears that would seek to undermine our confidence in you, our neighbors, or ourselves.  Remind us, not just in the wee, small hours of the morning, but at all times and in all circumstances that we are your beloved children.  You love us with an everlasting love, and you will never let us go or leave us to face our fears on our own. 

Give us courage as we face the challenges of each day.  Bless us with a lightness of heart and mind that always leaves room for the joy that is ours because we know you hold all things together in the power of your faithful and never-ending love.  Amen.”