DAILY REFLECTION FROM THE HIGH CALLING & PRAYER # 1
ýStrength of Soulý
READ Psalm 138:1-3
On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.
Psalm 138:3
The soul that praises God develops sinews of strength. Without praise our spirits become anemic and flabby. Praise stretches us to respond to God at full capacity and gives heartiness to faith.
PRAYER: Mighty God, in the same way that some develop their bodies in calisthenics and games, I will develop my soul in worship and praise. I donýt want any part of my life to be weak resignation; I want all of it, by your grace, to be strong affirmationýa firm yes to your Yes to me in Jesus Christ. Amen.
DAILY REFLECTION FROM THE HIGH CALLING & PRAYER # 2
ýHis Steadfast Love Endures Foreverý
READ Psalm 136:1-9
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1
The leader of worship calls out a word of praise to God, each sentence an improvised elaboration of what God is and does; the people respond in unison with the reason (ýfor his steadfast love endures foreverý), linking each result to its cause. Every act of worship is just such a combination of diversity and continuity.
PRAYER: Thank you, O God, for your mercies, which are ýnew every morning,ý and for your nature which is ýthe same yesterday and today and forever.ý I never know what to expect from you; and yet I always know what to expect from you. You have so many ways of declaring redemptive love to me, but always it is redemptive love you bring, even through Jesus Christ (Lamentations 3:23; Hebrews 13:8). Amen.