Category Archives: Psalms

Practice the presence of God

Chapelle Dévôt-Christ at Perpignan Cathedral,
14th century crucifix

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Psalm 22:2a

In times of grief, distress, and pain when we are brought very low, it may feel like God has abandoned us, but that is not the truth. We are always welcomed into the presence of God, the Presence of tender care and compassion.

Today I will practice the presence of God. I will deliberately pour my heart out to God about anything and everything that troubles or frightens me and know that God listens and will help me.

Raise your heart to the Lord

Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ hands, 1873

My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

When I forget Who is in charge, Whose vision is unfolding for our world, Who is the center of my life, I tend to become anxious and discouraged. When I remember God is holding me and everyone else in a loving, compassionate embrace, I can relax and put my energy into enjoying the gift of the moment and helping where I am able.

Today I will remember to continually raise my heart to the Lord in prayer when life’s events threaten to take over my mind and energy.

The Lord stoops toward me

Wikimedia Commons
Cloud of Witnesses

Though I am afflicted and poor,
yet the LORD thinks of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, hold not back! Psalm 40:18

With an open, broken heart, I ask the Lord for help and receive it.

Lord, today I will remember you are here. I am not alone. I will remember to keep you in the center of my life and suffering.

Beside the Lord

Martha and Mary

LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?
Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor.
Psalm 15: 1, 3

Today may my words be respectful and encouraging. May my actions be kind and helpful. May I recognize God in everyone I meet and may I treat all people with reverence.

Lord, today I will sit, stand, walk, and serve beside you. Teach me your way of peace and love.

Practice love

The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. Psalm 145:8-9

The Lord’s example shows me how to live the new commandment of love, including practicing courtesy, forgiveness, forbearance, kindness, and compassion towards every member of the human family.

Today I will show I am the Lord’s disciple by loving my neighbor and asking the Lord to bless all people everywhere, without exception.

Come, have breakfast

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Apparition du Christ sur les bords du lac de Tibériade gouache over graphite on gray wove paper
between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

O LORD, be my helper. Psalm 30:11b

Let me not be ashamed to ask for the Lord’s help as often as I need. The Lord will not withhold from me. Let me always remember to say thank you.

Lord, may I rely on you to feed me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. May your unfailing, kind attention fill me with gratitude.

Filled with the joy of kindness

[Jesus said to her,] “Has no one condemned you?”
She replied, “No one, sir.”
Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.” John 8:10-11

I am often tempted to judge and condemn myself and others. But this temptation is not of God.

Today I will remember God’s great mercy and kindness. I will reject fear. I will ask God to fill me with God’s love, peace, compassion, and joy.

Blessed are we

Mount of the Beatitudes, Galilee

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. Psalm 40:5a

We are blessed to put our lives into the care of the Lord who is love, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, gentleness.

Today I will let go of fear and negativity and put my hope in love.