To read: Psalm 63:1-8
New Revised Standard Version Bible,O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
Every
year towards the middle of November, my friends and I take a trip to Chicago for a long weekend. Chicago is such a beautiful city. We enjoy going to the theater, doing a little shopping and gazing at the windows that have been so beautifully decorated for Christmas. This is an exciting time for us and we look forward to this adventure every year.
One of my friends, however, is directionally challenged. It is truly amazing how she always manages to turn the wrong way. It makes the city of Chicago a bewildering place for her at times, and it can be more than a little frightening. Thankfully our friend Kittie is completely the opposite. She was blessed with an excellent sense of direction. When we are with Kittie, we know she will get us through the sometimes confusing array of streets and buildings and get us safely to our destination.
Life is also bewildering at times. It is so easy to turn the wrong way and get lost. Thankfully we do not need to make the journey alone. God sent Jesus to take this journey with us and he is only a prayer away. His love for us is unfailing and perfect. God may not answer every prayer the way we would wish, but he will always be there walking beside us. How wonderful it is that we will never be alone. It is the perfect gift from a loving Father.
An unknown author once wrote, "In the morning, prayer is the key that opens to us the treasures of God's mercies and blessings; in the evening, it is the key that shuts us up under his protection and safeguard."
Morning, noon and night, let us raise our voices in prayer, praising our wonderful Father who is always with us.
To pray:
Great and glorious God, thank you for walking beside me each day. I know I can face what is before me with you by my side. In your name I pray. Amen.
Northern Great Lakes Synod Council member
Bethany Lutheran Church, Escanaba, Mich.