Psalm 107

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society:

_____


Shout praises to the Lord! He is good to us, and his love never fails. Everyone the Lord has rescued from trouble should praise him, everyone he has brought from the east and the west, the north and the south.

Some of you were lost in the scorching desert, far from a town. You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat.

Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled and refused his advice.  You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you.  He brought you out of the deepest darkness
and broke your chains.

You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.  He breaks down bronze gates and shatters iron locks.

Some of you had foolishly committed a lot of sins and were in terrible pain.  The very thought of food was disgusting to you, and you were almost dead. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you.  By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction.

You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate
by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.

Some of you made a living by sailing the mighty sea, and you saw the miracles the Lord performed there. At his command a storm arose, and waves covered the sea.  You were tossed to the sky and to the ocean depths,
until things looked so bad that you lost your courage. You staggered like drunkards and gave up all hope. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you.  He made the storm stop and the sea be quiet. You were happy because of this, and he brought you to the port where you wanted to go.

You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. Honor the Lord when you and your leaders meet to worship.

If you start doing wrong, the Lord will turn rivers into deserts, flowing streams into scorched land, and fruitful fields into beds of salt.

But the Lord can also turn deserts into lakes and scorched land into flowing streams. If you are hungry, you can settle there and build a town.  You can plant fields and vineyards that produce a good harvest. The Lord will bless you with many children and with herds of cattle.

Sometimes you may be crushed by troubles and sorrows, until only a few of you are left to survive. But the Lord will take revenge on those who conquer you, and he will make them wander across desert sands.
When you are suffering and in need, he will come to your rescue, and your families will grow as fast as a herd of sheep. You will see this because you obey the Lord, but everyone who is wicked will be silenced.

Be wise! Remember this and think about the kindness of the Lord.

 When we cry out to you, oh Lord, you save us!

Psalm 107

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 107:

God. Abba. Father.

We give you thanks today, for you are good and your love never runs out. Never! When we ponder just that single thought, we are in awe. You love us no matter where we live. You love us no matter our background. You love us, even no matter our poor choices. We can always run to you and you will have open arms for us. Thank you.

Thank you for meeting our daily needs… food, shelter, water. Thank you for coming to set the captives free. Thank you for coming to bring sight to the blind. Thank you for coming to heal the brokenhearted.  When we cry out to you, oh Lord, you save us! You continue to bring us salvation. Day after day. Lord, when we make decisions that are not honoring to you, nor to us, and when we finally come back to our senses and lift our heads to heaven, when we get ourselves in trouble, you save us from our distress. Thank you!

Yes, we thank you and proclaim your goodness to the whole earth. Your love never fails. We sing and rejoice!

We rejoice for you make a way for us when we are journeying through times of wilderness or desert life. We rejoice for you calm the waves when we are in the middle of a raging storm. Even storms of financial distress, illness, or broken relationships. When we look to you in our personal disasters, you bring calm, you bring peace. Yes, you are our peace. You always lead us to safe harbors. We rejoice and thank you!

When we were poor and suffering, you were our rescuer. You are kind and full of provision and grace. Oh, how we appreciate your great love for us.

We thank you, always, in the name of our Messiah, Jesus.

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 106

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society:

We will celebrate and praise you, Lord! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.

Remember me, Lord, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.

We and our ancestors have sinned terribly. When they were in Egypt, they paid no attention to your marvelous deeds or your wonderful love. And they turned against you at the Red Sea.

But you were true to your name, and you rescued them to prove how mighty you are. You said to the Red Sea, “Dry up!” Then you led your people across on land as dry as a desert. You saved all of them and drowned every one of their enemies. Then your people trusted you and sang your praises.

But they soon forgot what you had done and rejected your advice. They became greedy for food and tested you there in the desert.  So you gave them what they wanted, but later you destroyed them with a horrible disease.

Everyone in camp was jealous of Moses and of Aaron, your chosen priest.  Dathan and Abiram rebelled, and the earth opened up and swallowed them. Then fire broke out and destroyed all of their followers.

At Horeb your people made and worshiped the statue of a bull, instead of you, their glorious God.  You worked powerful miracles to save them from Egypt, but they forgot about you and the fearsome things you did at the Red Sea. You were angry and started to destroy them, but Moses, your chosen leader, begged you not to do it.

They would not trust you, Lord, and they did not like the promised land.  They would not obey you, and they grumbled in their tents. So you threatened them by saying, “I’ll kill you out here in the desert! I’ll scatter your children everywhere in the world.”

Your people became followers of a god named Baal Peor, and they ate sacrifices offered to the dead. They did such terrible things that you punished them with a deadly disease.  But Phinehas helped them, and the sickness stopped. Now he will always be highly honored.

At Meribah Spring they turned against you and made you furious. Then Moses got into trouble for speaking in anger.

Our Lord, they disobeyed you by refusing to destroy the nations. Instead they were friendly with those foreigners and followed their customs.  Then they fell into the trap of worshiping idols. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons and to the gods of Canaan. Then they poured out the blood of these innocent children and made the land filthy.  By doing such gruesome things, they also became filthy.

Finally, Lord, you were angry and terribly disgusted with your people. So you put them in the power of nations that hated them. They were mistreated and abused by their enemies, but you saved them time after time. They were determined to rebel, and their sins caused their downfall.

You answered their prayers when they were in trouble.  You kept your agreement and were so merciful that their enemies had pity on them.

Save us, Lord God! Bring us back from among the nations. Let us celebrate and shout in praise of your holy name.

Lord God of Israel, you deserve to be praised forever and ever. Let everyone say, “Amen! Shout praises to the Lord!”

You answered their prayers when they were in trouble. You kept your agreement and were so merciful that their enemies had pity on them.

Psalm 106:44

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 106.

God. Abba. Father.

We thank you for you are good, and your love endures forever. It never fails us. Ever. No one can praise you enough! You bless those who are honest and fair. Help us to be people where honesty and justice flow from our actions.

Thank you for showing us your kindness. We join the ranks of those who celebrate you, and those who follow you.

We confess our sin, and those of our ancestors, even those who turned their backs on you and your grace. We remember the true stories of the exodus of your chosen people. We see the circle of their actions: embracing your love, then complaining, then turning their verbal criticism into sin, before finally embracing your love once again. We confess that it is easy for us to repeat that same cycle. Help us to see your love and act accordingly every day. Help us to be strong and courageous, boldly believing who you are without a doubt. Let us be people of faith and people of action.

Save us! Thank you for answering our prayers, even when we are in trouble. Thank you for keeping your promises to us. We are undeserving of your great grace and love!

We sing praises to your name forever! You are our God. From everlasting to everlasting.

We sing Hallelujah!

In the name of Jesus.

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 102

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

I pray to you, Lord! Please listen.  Don’t hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to my prayer and quickly give an answer.

My days disappear like smoke, and my bones are burning as though in a furnace. I am wasting away like grass, and my appetite is gone. My groaning never stops, and my bones can be seen through my skin. I am like a lonely owl in the desert or a restless sparrow alone on a roof.

My enemies insult me all day, and they use my name for a curse word. Instead of food, I have ashes to eat and tears to drink, because you are furious and have thrown me aside. My life fades like a shadow at the end of the day and withers like grass.

Our Lord, you are King forever and will always be famous. You will show pity to Zion because the time has come. We, your servants, love each stone in the city, and we are sad to see them lying in the dirt.

Our Lord, the nations will honor you, and all kings on earth will praise your glory. You will rebuild the city of Zion. Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered.

Future generations must also praise the Lord, so write this for them: “From his holy temple, the Lord looked down at the earth.  He listened to the groans of prisoners, and he rescued everyone who was doomed to die.”

All Jerusalem should praise you, our Lord, when people from every nation meet to worship you. I should still be strong, but you, Lord, have made an old person of me. You will live forever! Years mean nothing to you. Don’t cut my life in half!

In the beginning, Lord, you laid the earth’s foundation and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever. You are always the same. Years cannot change you. Every generation of those who serve you will live in your presence.

We worship you today knowing that you will continue to show us how much you love us.

Psalm 102

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 102:

God. Abba. Father.

We cry out to you today. We ask that you will turn your ear to our voices and hear our prayers. There are some days when we are weak beyond weak, when our bodies, spirits, and hearts are broken. We sometimes feel like we are on the verge of withering away. We hurt.

When those days occur, help us to remember that you are still sovereign. You are our great King! You always have been. You always will be. And we can trust in your perfect timing. Your word says you will arise and show us your great compassion. And indeed, at that moment when Jesus sat up from that cold slab in the tomb, you showed us your great and unending grace and mercy. We worship you today knowing that you will continue to show us how much you love us. You will show us your favor and your glory! Thank you.

Thank you for ordaining that future generations will continue to praise you as we praise you today. For you have rescued us! Yes, you have set each one of us free from those things that hold us back. You have given us sight to see your beauty and how you make all things new. You have healed our broken hearts. No matter our age nor our circumstances in life, you continue to bring us freedom, sight and healing. Thank you.

For you are the One True God. You set the cornerstone on earth. You are the same, you remain true through all generations. We thank you for keeping your promises. Our sons and daughters will be at home with you, as we are.

All because Jesus sat up from that cold slab in the tomb! Rise in our hearts today, Jesus. Rise again.

Thank you!

We love you. Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 101

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

I will sing to you, Lord! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom.

I refuse to be corrupt or to take part in anything crooked, and I won’t be dishonest or deceitful.

Anyone who spreads gossip will be silenced, and no one who is conceited will be my friend.

I will find trustworthy people to serve as my advisors, and only an honest person will serve as an official.

No one who cheats or lies will have a position in my royal court. Each morning I will silence any lawbreakers I find in the countryside or in the city of the Lord.

Let our home be a place of humility and unconditional love for one another.

Psalm 101

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 101:

God. Abba. Father.

We sing to you today! We celebrate that you are just, you are kind and you always make right and truthful decisions. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. Please help us to follow in your ways, Lord, to be just, kind, and truthful — especially at home with our family. Yes, keep our hearts pure and blameless. Let us not join in the ways of wickedness. May all in our home lift up your name and your ways. Let our home be a place of humility and unconditional love for one another.

Give us the courage to join with those who are genuine and trustworthy. Let us not participate in gossip or slander. May all our conversations today be honest.

Thank you for grace and forgiveness. Thank you for making all things new.

We praise you today.

In Jesus name.

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 100

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

 Shout praises to the Lord, everyone on this earth. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the Lord!

You know the Lord is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture.

Be thankful and praise the Lord as you enter his temple. The Lord is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever

Sing with Joy! We belong to God.

Psalm 100

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 99:

God. Abba. Father.

We shout with joy this morning! Thank you for new days. Thank you for fresh starts. We bring our worship to you, great King! Thank you for putting a song of praise on our lips.

You are God. You are not just a feeling. You are not just some ancient theology. You are alive. You are the One True God. You have always been. Even before time began, you were and you are. You formed us. We belong to you. You made us. You have watched over us every day of our lives. You are the only One that can make sense of our world today. We open our hands and ask you to lead us. Guide us. Give us wisdom. Protect us. Take care of us, like a shepherd takes care of his lambs.

Wherever and whenever we worship you, we lift up our heads with great gratitude. Yes, we are thankful! You are everything that is right and beautiful. You are generous and gracious. You are love and faithfulness. You are peace and grace. You are forgiveness and comfort. You are joy and patience. You always have been. And you always will be.

We humbly thank you and proclaim our love to you today.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 99

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

Our Lord, you are King! You rule from your throne above the winged creatures, as people tremble and the earth shakes. You are praised in Zion, and you control all nations. Only you are God! And your power alone, so great and fearsome, is worthy of praise. You are our mighty King, a lover of fairness, who sees that justice is done everywhere in Israel. Our Lord and our God, we praise you and kneel down to worship you, the God of holiness!

Moses and Aaron were two of your priests. Samuel was also one of those who prayed in your name, and you, our Lord, answered their prayers. You spoke to them from a thick cloud, and they obeyed your laws.

Our Lord and our God, you answered their prayers and forgave their sins, but when they did wrong, you punished them. We praise you, Lord God, and we worship you at your sacred mountain. Only you are God!

Only You are God!

Psalm 99

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 99:

God. Abba. Father.

Only you are God!

We start today with these great proclamations of truth: You are holy. You are our great King! You are in control. You are worthy of our praise. Let all the earth worship you. Let all the earth see your beauty.

History is filled with leaders who declared these same truths… Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. We thank you for those, even today, who speak boldly of your love and faithfulness. Give us the courage to share with others these truths that you are writing on our hearts.

We ask you to meet our needs today…  our physical, emotional, spiritual and mental needs. We trust that you hear our prayers. Give us ears to hear as you speak your answers… sometimes directly in your word… sometimes in the gentleness of creation… sometimes in the melody of a song… sometimes from the encouragement of a friend.

Thank you, Lord. We praise and worship you today! Only you are God.

Though Jesus,

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 98

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

Sing a new song to the Lord! He has worked miracles, and with his own powerful arm, he has won the victory. The Lord has shown the nations that he has the power to save and to bring justice. God has been faithful in his love for Israel, and his saving power is seen everywhere on earth.

Tell everyone on this earth to sing happy songs in praise of the Lord. Make music for him on harps. Play beautiful melodies! Sound the trumpets and horns and celebrate with joyful songs for our Lord and King!

Command the ocean to roar with all of its creatures, and the earth to shout with all of its people. Order the rivers to clap their hands, and all of the hills to sing together. Let them worship the Lord! He is coming to judge everyone on the earth, and he will be honest and fair.

Tell everyone on this earth to sing happy songs in praise of the Lord… The rivers will clap their hands… and sing for joy!

Psalm 98:4, 8

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 98:

God. Abba. Father.

We sing a new song to you today, for it is a new day! We can begin afresh once again. Thank you! Today’s dawn is a new miracle, just one of billions and trillions you will perform in the next few hours. We praise you for the many victories you will give to your children today. You set the world right. You will save us. You are faithful. You love all your people, with a special fondness for the people of Israel and those who worship you in spirit and in truth throughout the world.

So, we shout for joy! We sing songs! We hum hymns! We celebrate with music and instruments! Why? Because you are the One True God!

Even the ocean and its rhythmic waves crashing on the shoreline, proclaim your goodness. Even the rivers with rapids that sparkle like diamonds, display your brilliance in deafening roars. Even the mountains, tall and majestic, declare your eminence. The world, your creation, calls to the Creator in worship and adoration. You are the judge. You bring peace. You bring reconciliation. You are our King!

We bow before you only because of Jesus.

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 97

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

The Lord is King! Tell the earth to celebrate and all islands to shout. Dark clouds surround him, and his throne is supported by justice and fairness. Fire leaps from his throne, destroying his enemies, and his lightning is so bright that the earth sees it and trembles. Mountains melt away like wax in the presence of the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens announce, “The Lord brings justice!” Everyone sees God’s glory. Those who brag about the useless idols they worship are terribly ashamed, and all the false gods bow down to the Lord.

When the people of Zion and of the towns of Judah hear that God brings justice, they will celebrate. The Lord rules the whole earth, and he is more glorious than all the false gods.

Love the Lord and hate evil! God protects his loyal people and rescues them from violence.  If you obey and do right, a light will show you the way and fill you with happiness. You are the Lord’s people! So celebrate and praise the only God.

The heavens announce that he’ll set everything right, and everyone will see it happen – glorious!

Psalm 97:6 MSG

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 97:

God. Abba. Father.

We proclaim today that we are your people, your children. We shout praises to your holy name!

You are King! You are the LORD, Yahweh, the great I Am. You are more powerful than anything in all the earth. You rule from a throne of grace, a throne supported by absolute truth and justice.  Your word says the Lamb of God reigns sovereign and there is no need for light in heaven because the Lamb is the light. It is with that intensity that your presence lights up the whole earth. Even the mountains will melt like candles in the brilliant sunshine when you descend in glory.

The heavens speak boldly that you bring justice. You make everything right. We will see your glory. Yes, when the tomb could no longer contain your Son, it burst forth with abundant life, wide open, to expose your great glory! We rejoice today! We bow before you, Lord.

We pray for those who do not worship you. May your Holy Spirit bring all of us to a place of total surrender to the perfect peace you have intended for all. We celebrate, we sing, for you are good and your love endures forever. You are the Most High above all gods.

We love you God. Give us boldness and courage to proclaim your truths and denounce all that is wicked and destructive. Thank you for keeping us safe. Thank you for delivering us from the evil one. Let your light shine in us and through us. Let your joy fill us to overflowing. We praise you God!

And we thank you for Jesus, our Messiah.

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 96

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

Sing a new song to the Lord! Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the Lord, sing and praise his name.

Day after day announce, “The Lord has saved us!” Tell every nation on earth, “The Lord is wonderful and does marvelous things! The Lord is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship. Other nations worship idols, but the Lord created the heavens. Give honor and praise to the Lord, whose power and beauty fill his holy temple.”

Tell everyone of every nation, “Praise the glorious power of the Lord. He is wonderful! Praise him and bring an of fering into his temple. Everyone on earth, now tremble and worship the Lord, majestic and holy.”

Announce to the nations, “The Lord is King! The world stands firm, never to be shaken, and he will judge its people with fairness.”

Tell the heavens and the earth to be glad and celebrate! Command the ocean to roar with all of its creatures and the fields to rejoice with all of their crops. Then every tree in the forest will sing joyful songs  to the Lord. He is coming to judge all people on earth with fairness and truth.

Even today, when our world appears to be on shaky ground, when politicians, lawmakers, physicians, kings, business leaders, or even clergy believe they are the answer, we say, “No! God is our only hope. God is the One True God. God is the judge. He will set everything right.”

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 96:

God. Abba. Father.

We sing a new song to you today! With each new dawn there is an opportunity to praise you! We worship you from north to south and east to west. We declare your greatness because you have saved us! May every people group throughout the globe hear that God is wonderful. He is good. He is great! He is worthy of our praise! He is the Creator, not the created. So, we give Him honor today.

He made the heavens. He made the oceans. He made the mountains. He made the meadows. He made the forests. He made the plains. He made the deserts. And he made each person who walks this Land. So, we shout from the bottom of our hearts: “The LORD, Yahweh, reigns! He is King! He rules the world!”

Even today, when our world appears to be on shaky ground, when politicians, lawmakers, physicians, kings, business leaders, or even clergy believe they are the answer, we say, “No! God is our only hope. God is the One True God. God is the judge. He will set everything right.”

And we thank you, Father, for wiping the slate clean. Yes, because of the sacrifice of Jesus once and for all, our sins are forgiven, and everyone of us has been granted access to your throne of grace. Thank you! Yes, you are the only way to seeing justice and freedom delivered to the nations and given to each of us personally.

So, let the trees of the forest sing for joy! And we will join in the chorus as well. You are the great I Am, the great judge. You rule the world!

Because of Jesus,

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 95

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

Sing joyful songs to the Lord! Praise the mighty rock where we are safe. Come to worship him with thankful hearts and songs of praise.

The Lord is the greatest God, king over all other gods. He holds the deepest part of the earth in his hands, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The ocean is the Lord’s because he made it, and with his own hands, he formed the dry land.

Bow down and worship the Lord our Creator! The Lord is our God, and we are his people, the sheep he takes care of in his own pasture.

Listen to God’s voice today! Don’t be stubborn and rebel as your ancestors did at Meribah and Massah out in the desert. For forty years they tested God and saw the things he did. Then God got tired of them and said, “You never show good sense, and you don’t understand what I want you to do.” In his anger, God told them,
“You people will never enter my place of rest.”

Why do we sing? Because you oh great King are the One True God. There is none like you.

Psalm 95

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 95:

God. Abba. Father.

We sing with great joy before you today! You are our rock. You are our salvation. Why do we sing? Because you oh great King, are the One True God. There is none like you. You are the Creator. Every single blade of grass gets its life from you. Every drop of saltwater in the oceans fell at your command. Every mountain goat that scampers to the highest peak does so because you gave it the ability to skip with firm footing.

Why do we sing? Why do we worship and, yes, even fall on our knees before you? Because you oh great King gave us breath. You formed us. You have guided us. You have been our shepherd to lead us to streams of living water for refreshment and meadows of green for rest. We are being cared for each and every day by you, God — the mighty and great LORD. And we are humbled by your love for us, your children.

We are encouraged today to listen to you. To bend our ears to heaven to hear your voice. We pause and silence the clutter of everything else… the dinging texts, the demanding coworker, even the chatter in the next room. We suppress all the noise. We focus on you. We wait patiently and concentrate. Speak to us.

Let us not be like the ancestors of old who hardened their hearts to your grace and provision. No, we open our hands and our souls to all that you have for us.

We worship your holy name because of the most wonderful sound ever heard… the rolling of a rock from the entrance of the tomb. And the footsteps of your Son walking out.

And it is in His name we pray.

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.