Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

Read

Psalm 147:1-11, 20c (NRSV)

Praise the LORD!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
The LORD lifts up the downtrodden;
he casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives to the animals their food,
and to the young ravens when they cry.
His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
…

Praise the LORD!

Reflect

When my son was two, he became very interested in all parts of creation. He asked about them constantly and was happy to learn that God had made everything. He was especially enthralled by stars.

One evening we returned home after dark. As I fumbled distractedly for my keys while holding my child and trying to open the back door, my son began to admire the stars. “Look, Mom! Stars!” “Yeah, stars,” I replied. (Where is that key?) Then he said, “God made them!” “Right,” I agreed. Then he said, “Isn’t that great? God made the stars! He’s been here—isn’t that great? He’s been here!” Those words finally got my attention. Yes, God has been here. And the Lord takes pleasure in those who stand in awe of him.

Pray

God, help us to see and to enjoy with gratitude the great world you have made. Thank you for loving us and caring for us so well. Amen.

Go with God.