That night God came to Balaam and asked him, “Who are these men visiting you?”

But God told Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse these people, for they have been blessed!”

Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam.

“But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?”

Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.”

Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.”

Balaam replied, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.”

Lord God my Father,

I am blind and stupid, On my own I am powerless. Lord God, open my eyes and give me your direction and protect me from my past. Deliver me to a new life where I am only able to do your will. Forgive me from my past and heal the wounds I inflict on myself. Make me whole in your presence.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen