God of the universe, you were with us at the beginning of our lives, and you will be by our side when we draw our last breath. In between, we struggle through life, too often trying to find our way based on our own wants and desires. In our giving to you this day, may you bless us so that we might better keep our eyes focused on you, that one day we might be able to echo your servant Paul as he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. We pray this in the name of Jesus who loved us even to the cross! Amen (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18)