Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God, however that may take place.

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Read

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 (NRSV)

I love the LORD, because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

…

What shall I return to the LORD
for all his bounty to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD,
I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.
O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.
You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
and call on the name of the LORD.
I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the house of the LORD,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD!

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Reflect

At times we are overwhelmed with gratitude for all that God has provided us. And, like the psalmist, we ask what we can do to give back. How shall we respond to all of the blessings that God has given to us?

The psalmist offers these ways to respond to God.

Lift up the cup of salvation and pray in the name of the Lord. When I think of lifting a cup, I am reminded of a toast. It is a way to acknowledge God and point out the many blessings we receive.

Do what you have promised God you will do. And, furthermore, don’t do it alone. Keep those promises as part of a community of God’s people.

Finally, be a servant. Approach all that you do with a servant’s heart.

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Pray

Lord God, how do I respond to your generous, extravagant blessings? Strengthen me as I acknowledge your presence in my life. May I be mindful of all your blessings. Strengthen me as I keep my promises to you as a part of the communities into which you have called me. Make me a servant always humble and true. Amen.

Go with God.