Tuesday, April 28, 2020  

Today’s Hymn
Thou spread’st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
and O what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days
thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever.

“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” (vv. 5–6) by Henry Williams Baker
Hymn 802, Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
Psalm 23 was one of the first pieces of scripture I was encouraged to memorize. This hymn based on the Twenty-Third Psalm has an almost lullaby-like quality. A gentle reassurance of God’s loving promise. A reassurance I have been in desperate need of lately.

During this time of interrupted routine, I have made it part of my new routine to spend some time each day reflecting on the many blessings I have in my life. When everything started changing, it was easy to get lost in everything I was being forced to give up. Some days it is more of a challenge than others to take the time to be grateful for the table God has spread before me. Some days it feels more like God has given me a feast of my least favorite foods and told me “you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” Right now, I wouldn’t mind throwing a fit. Instead I will sit back and listen to this hymn’s reassuring promise and challenge myself to count the many ways my cup overflows. I will take advantage of the opportunities the new routine will afford me, because there are many.

Prayer
Thank you, God, for your abundant love. Help me to recognize that even when times seem dark, my cup overflows with your blessings. Give me the wisdom to see the light in the darkness and to remember that you are with me. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Youth Ministry Program Manager

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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