Lord Heavenly Father, God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, we are thankful for leading us to the first half of the year 2023. Bless us to walk through the next half of this year experiencing the cover of your rich hand. For as you spoke to Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” ( Exodus 33:14), may we feel your good hand over us. Remind us of the plans we set out at the beginning of the year to accomplish, which we again commit to you, for as you say, “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved”( Proverbs 16:3). And where we have met daunting obstacles and challenges, we hold on to your very word, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” ( Isaiah 43:2). Through the ups and down of life we lift up our eyes on to you, for you say, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” ( I Peter 5:7). We commit to you each and every member of our dear family, commending them to your word, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” ( Phil 4:19). For those who are weak in the body, we encloth ourselves in your word, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” ( Isaiah 53:5). And for our beloved nations we surrender those whom you have put in authority pleading for wisdom and courage to lead and gently guide your people to safe shores. Spare us from needless wars, the shedding of innoncet blood and, things that cause men to waste their time in meaningless and vain pursuits. For “The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is his”( Psalm 24:1). But to you, and alone we look up to, trusting in your even hand of protection, and your soothing words, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” ( Deutronomy 31:8). All this we pray, in the mighty and beloved name of the Lord Jesus Christ!