Our tradition teaches us to be grateful everyday for the most obvious and yet essential blessings of the day.
We ask God for protection from the vicissitudes of life so that our day will be blessed:
May it be Your will, God and God of my ancestors, to protect this day and every day from insolence in others and in arrogance in myself. Save me from vicious people, from evil neighbors, and from corrupt companions. Preserve me from misfortune and from powers of destruction. Save me from harsh judgements; spare me from ruthless opponents. Give me the strength to overcome adversity, hate, bigotry, and to love my neighbor as myself.
This is as much as a prescription for us to strive for as it is a prayer. May these words guide us to a blessed, safe, and fruitful day.
— Cantor Nathan Lam