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 20 (NRSV)

The LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. Selah

May he grant you your heart’s desire,
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the LORD our God.
They will collapse and fall,
but we shall rise and stand upright.

Give victory to the king, O LORD;
answer us when we call.

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Reflect

I am blessed that I do not know first-hand the horrors of war. In my entire life, all I have known in my little corner of the world is peace. However, I think we all have a war to fight every day…a “war for peace,” if you will. To be God’s hands and feet when we face the never-ending struggle against ignorance that gives birth to hate and violence, to protect the weak and marginalized, and to defend and celebrate diversity barely touch the surface of the many wars and challenges we see every day.

If our heart’s desire is to do God’s will and work here on earth, then we do need to pray for victory. It’s along the same lines as David’s prayer…just a different kind of battle.

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Pray

Dear Lord, strengthen me so that I will be brave and sure enough to do your will here on this earth. Amen.

Go with God.