Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NRSV)

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

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Reflect

I often find that when I pray, I forget to say thank you. When I look at the world, it seems as though there are always more important things about which to pray. I pray for those who are fleeing from war-torn countries into the unknown, I pray for our government leaders that they make wise decisions and focus on making things better for their constituents, and I pray for those experiencing homelessness and poverty; but, First Timothy reminds us of the many types of prayers we should remember to say. While it is easy for us to remember to pray for those experiencing horrors in our world, it is also important that we remember to give thanks for the good things, however small they may be. We should remember that it is a gift for us to wake up in the morning, it is a gift to enjoy sunshine after a rainy day, and it is a gift for us to be able to laugh with our friends and family.

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Pray

Dear Lord, thank you for the blessings that we receive on a daily basis. Thank you for the positive things that happen every day in the world. Help us to remember to give you thanks daily basis, and to acknowledge the beauty of the world that you have given us. Amen.

Go with God.