Today’s Reflection
We don’t just love the Lord out of instinct. Instead, according to the psalmist, our love for God is justified because God is the one who hears our voice and our pleas. Most intimately of all, God is the one who “bends down to listen.” God answers our prayers and angles down from the divine throne to hear all our problems and petitions. This psalm provides us with an image of a God who is always present, always before us.
—Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation (Upper Room Books, 2022)
Today’s Question
What helps you believe that your life matters to God? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
I love the Lord because he hears my voice
and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen,
I will pray as long as I have breath!
—Psalm 116:1-2 (NLT)
Prayer for the Week
Gracious God of Liberation, free us
from our enemies. And when we are the enemies, transform
us from oppressing others into removing the yoke from their
necks and practicing freedom. In Christ’s name, Amen.
—Prayer from Psalms for Black Lives by Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
This week’s featured book, Psalms for Black Lives, is now available in audiobook. Listen, pray, and develop a justice imagination wherever you are. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
What helps you believe that your life matters to God?
I/we are here today!! God has a purpose for us and it is not finished. We are on the path and continue to press forward. When have we completed our purpose? When God decides we have!! Until then, God creates a way, Jesus has given us salvation, and Holy Spirit lives within us to give us life!! Thank you for the gift of another day that we may be your hands and feet to all.
I have had a time of disappointment that plans I was hoping for are not working out. God/Jesus have emotions. I let my emotions bubble up, cried tears, prayed for His will to be done, and set the word “acceptance” before me as I daily took long walks. By the end of my hour or so walk, I was comforted and ready to return to our home. Holy Spirit has strengthened me and given me a new outlook as well as answers. I give Father, Son, Holy Spirit all the Praise for being with me and bringing me to today. I thank you, my NEM family, for continuing to pray for us. I may be silent here, but I am shouting loud prayers from the balcony.
Instead of my original plan, I have found a niche at our church that is proving more fulfilling to me that anything I could have planned for. God gave me an idea long ago, but I felt it was never the right time to implement. God however also had a plan for me and now in His timing, it is coming to fruition. After I hear from my buddy (the family life coordinator at the church and who has a direct connection with the children’s programs) on how the project is coming, I will tell you. She met with her committee last Thursday to discuss/present more concrete details/examples on the plan. Please pray that they continue to be excited and this will be a very successful project in spreading His love.
The sun is shining brightly. Jesus, please shine on all who visit this site….remind us that we are each a beloved child of God and Holy Spirit lives within us to give us life!!
In the Old Testament, there are many accounts of God giving aid and protection to God’s people. The account of Hagar and Ishmael after being cast into the desert often comes to mind. God sent them an oasis when they were in utter despair. A servant girl and her boy mattered to God. Jesus promised us that we are more precious than the sparrow and lilies of the field. God has sent help to me in the form of family, friends, and even strangers to demonstrate to me that I matter. God sent Jesus because we matter and are loved. Sometimes I need a reminder of this when my faith falters. Thank You, Lord.
Our pastor visited yesterday and spoke encouraging words to David. I’m thankful David has agreed to take steps to improve his mental health. Please pray for us. Blessings to all our NEM friends.
April and Ally – thanks for your thoughtful responses today, your honesty. You are heard and your requests will be taken before the Throne of Grace. Father God – continue to be present to both of these ladies in their present circumstances. You have proven Yourself faithful, I pray that Your morning mercies tomorrow will be embraced. “Acceptance” – Father – all is from You. We are humbled by Your activity in our lives.
Worship this morning was quite meaningful. Grateful for the time to gather with others, we are all seekers.
A second day of abundant sunshine and an afternoon walk, as well as a nap. Lots of time with my kittens today. They are near as I grade. About to grill up some dinner and extra proteins for the week ahead. It’s going to be busy, but will culminate in me being with my family in Florida.
Will take in a bit of “the game” tonight – not really a rooting interest one way or the other. Ready to move on from football.
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