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Hope Springs Forth
Throughout the year, we have continued to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Upper Room daily Read More
Cristian De La Rosa | Read Psalm 65:9-13
This second part of the psalm witnesses to the bounty of the earth and the ways God accompanies the processes of life designed to provide water, grain, and flocks in abundance. There is a note of joy in the singing of the furrows, grasslands, hills, meadows, and valleys expressing gratefulness...
God, help me understand the sacredness of life. Forgive my own practices that contribute to the breaking down of creation. Help me respect all that nurtures life on this earth, and help me be an advocate for your justice throughout the world. Amen.
God’s redemption and accompaniment of people are the common themes in the texts from the Hebrew scripture. People can rejoice and give thanks to God for the gifts that nurture life. There is a clear presence of God walking with the people. Expressions of hope, satisfaction, and praise communicate the presence and experience of God as the one that will bridge the human and the divine. The readings from the New Testament have a very different emphasis. God continues to accompany the people but is now the one who holds the people accountable for faith practices, ways of life, and faithfulness.
• Read Joel 2:23-32. How do you experience the presence of God in your life? How have natural events been a sign to you of God’s presence?
• Read Psalm 65. What does it mean to be accompanied by God today? How do you find joy and happiness in your closeness to God?
• Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18. When has God strengthened you in the face of evil?
• Read Luke 18:9-14. What aspect of your life do you need to approach with renewed humility?
Respond by posting a prayer.
