Where We End Up Might Have Something to do with Where We Begin - October 6
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm [120], 121, 122, 123; PM Psalm 124, 125, 126, [127]; Micah 1:1-9; Acts 23:12-24; Luke 7:1-17
Ten years ago, I led a group of teenagers on our second trip to Greece to follow in the footsteps of our faith. Part of that trip included daily prayer and we would often pray Psalm 121 which begins, “I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where is my help to come.” We talked about this as we visited several places where a fortress existed atop a mountain or hill. Each morning, as the people who lived in the valley looked up, they would know they were safe. The started the day with a vision of security and hopefulness, and the Psalmist captures this vision.
Our clergy were checking in last week, acknowledging that we have all felt a sense of grounding, joy, and hopefulness in the midst of pandemic. This doesn’t mean we each haven’t had our moments, but as we listened to a presentation given to clergy, we seemed on the surface to be faring better than most. It hit me just how important reading and reciting morning prayer has been. Before we read the Psalm appointed for the day, every morning we have recited the Jubilate or the Venite, Psalm 95 or 100. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” “Come let us sing to the Lord.” These are often the first words we utter. “Serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.” They are songs of joy and wonder and that is how we begin our day.
I noticed this past week as I read these songs each day, that I felt a joy and song rise up. It has been six months of this renewed practice, and I am beginning to feel that praying these songs is shaping what I believe and how I view each day. This doesn’t eradicate the pain and suffering that many are feeling, but it gives a hopeful place to begin. Praying for hope and joy. Sometimes we need to pray it until we believe it.
As we move forward in a world in desperate need of love and joy, how can we turn our eyes to the hills for hope? Maybe it is as simple as beginning intentional about how we begin. A song of praise and wonder, a thought of gratitude, a smile, a word of comfort, a memory of joy. Where we end up might have something to do with where we begin.
- John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: What are the first things that you think about in the morning? How do you begin your day? What helps you to get a good start?
Daily Challenge: Read the Venite (Psalm 95:1-7) or Jubilate (Psalm 100) today a few times. Imagine singing it. Pay attention to how it makes you feel or if your attitude or posture changes.