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

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 (NRSV)

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!

Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
…
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.

This is the gate of the LORD;
the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we beseech you, O LORD!
O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.
We bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

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Reflect

Wouldn’t it be great if we felt like praising God every minute of every day? If we’re honest, some of us would have to admit that sometimes we have days we just don’t feel like praising God. We might be weighed down with what’s going on in our lives, our family’s lives, or in the world—sickness, disease, death, financial issues, marital problems, or fear of losing our jobs and homes.

The psalmist begins and ends today’s scripture with praise and reminds us that God is good forever! God made every day, and that is something in which to rejoice. Whether we feel like it or not, let’s try to begin our day by thanking God for it. Then we can ask God to order our steps for the rest of the day and allow God’s presence to lift us up above our circumstances. Doing this always makes me feel stronger and better armed to face whatever the day holds. Can’t think of anything better than having God involved in my entire day!

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Pray

Holy God, forgive us for the times that we are weary and don’t thank you or praise you as you deserve. Thank you for each day you give us! Lead us through the circumstances of our days, strengthen us with your presence, and lift us higher than we could ever be on our own. Thank you God, for your ongoing mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Go with God.