Daily Devotion • May 20
Today's Scripture
Psalm 67
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God continue to bless us;
let all the ends of the earth revere him. (NRSV)
Reflection
What is a blessing? This psalm speaks of several. God’s face shining upon us is a blessing. I imagine this blessing to feel like the sun shining on my face on a perfectly mild, warm day with gentle breezes brushing my cheeks. The sun warms my face and warms my spirit, like comfort and peace wrapping me in a cuddly blanket.
“God, our God, has blessed us,” but it’s so easy to forget that. It’s so easy not to notice that God is with us right now, no matter what else is happening.
Take a long, slow exhale, and then allow your body to breathe without trying to inhale. Your body knows how to take in breath without your conscious effort. Your body is God’s creativity at work. Your breath is God’s spirit of life in you.
Take another long slow exhale and remember what the sun on your shoulders has felt like. God has no hands and arms, and yet God’s comfort can warm you in this very moment, like the sun on your shoulders, like a gentle breeze caressing your face.
Sometimes it just takes slowing down and opening our minds, hearts, and imaginations to tap into the presence of God and God’s blessings. The first step of praising God is recognizing and remembering God’s gift of life to us. Look inside for gladness, and take a moment for gratitude.
Prayer
Holy One, may you continue to bless us; may we receive your blessings; may we perceive your spirit within us; may we share your blessings with all the earth. Amen.
Written by Nanette Sawyer, Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Small Group Ministry
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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