It is good to give thanks to the LORD. Psalm 92:2a
Gratitude lifts me out of self-pity, focuses me on the moment, helps me let go of fear, brings me awareness of God’s limitless kindness and abundant gifts.
Today I will practice gratitude for God’s goodness and generosity and give thanks to the Lord.
I call on the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:13b
No matter what is happening in the world, in my country, in my community, in my personal life: God is in charge.
Today I will remember to keep God in the center of my life. I will call on the Lord when I am experiencing stress, confusion, or pain. I will remember to thank God for God’s unfailing presence.
[Jesus said,] “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
In fear, illness, sorrow, the Lord is with me. In joy, laughter, companionship, the Lord is with me. In loneliness, rejection, suffering, the Lord is with me.
Whatever I experience, wherever I am, the Lord is with me.
Today I will remember the Lord is with me, showing me the path to love and unity.
[Jesus said,] “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” John 16:13
The truth is that when I love and treat others with patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, then I am filled with the Spirit of God.
Today I will let God’s Spirit guide me in all my interactions.
God is love, and whoever abides in love
abides in God and God in him. 1 John 4:16b
I abide in love when I treat others with compassion, patience, and respect. I abide in love when I graciously receive help or kindness from another. I abide in love when I spend quiet time in prayer with the Lord—alone or with others.
Today I will pray to be filled with God’s kindness and patience. I will pray to give and receive love wherever I go.
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Jesus said to his disciples, “This I command you: love one another.” John 15:17
I count 18 instances of the word “love” in today’s readings.
The message is very clear.
Today I choose love in its many forms: listening attentively to others, speaking respectfully to everyone I encounter, helping someone in need, thanking others for their help, treating all people with kindness and courtesy, refraining from gossip and negative criticism, rejoicing in the beauty of creation, spending quiet time alone with the Lord.
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“Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches.”
John 15:4-5a
Our lives are entwined with the Lord. God’s love supports us, feeds us, guides us, inspires us.
Today I choose to remain in kindness and compassion.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. 1 John 3a
Each of us is a beloved child of God, created by God’s love for the purpose of sharing God’s love with everyone we encounter.
What prevents me from recognizing myself and others as children of the God of love?
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[Jesus] stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36b
Peace is a gift from the Lord.
May I let go of worry, efforts to control others, fear of the future, dissatisfaction with the present, resentment, and blame.
Today may I graciously accept the Lord’s gift of peace.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:21a
Jesus repeats it to be sure we get the message: “Peace be with you.”
This is the Lord of peace and reconciliation, the Lord of forgiveness and compassion, the Lord of comfort and mercy.
Lord, fill me with your peace and compassion today.
Mary Ann McSweeny 