Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7b
The grace of God fills my heart and mind with faith in God’s presence and hope in God’s vision of perfect love and unity among all people. May I receive this gift of love with gratitude.
Today I will spend a quiet few moments in the presence of God and welcome the gift of love into my heart and being.
[Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John the Baptist,] “This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.” Matthew 11:10
We, too, are messengers of the Lord when we trust in God’s vision of peace and unity, when we are patient and encouraging with each other, when we put aside prejudice and complaints and actively love one another.
Today I will be a messenger of light and hope by choosing kindness and compassion in all my interactions.
There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. Isaiah 11:9
It is a vision to work toward: where we are filled with the knowledge of the holiness of God’s creation, where we do not harm the earth or each other, where we take care of the world and each other and do not bring about the ruin of anyone or anything.
Today I will embody a vision of reverence toward all of God’s precious creation, especially each and every person.
One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. Isaiah 2:4
War never serves the good of the people. Yet we continue to wage war. War between countries. War between political parties. War between people with different religions and cultures. War between family members. War between greed and what is good for the earth. War between my desire to do the will of God and my fear of being different, of not having enough, of being hurt.
Today I will walk in peace with myself, my family, my community. I will let go of fear, put my trust in God, and walk in the light of the Lord.
“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Luke 1:45
The Lord has spoken a vision of love to us: love of God, neighbor, and self.
Today I will ask the Lord to fill me with God’s own love, peace, and joy so that I may practice what I believe. I will collaborate in the work of love by treating all people with respect, kindness, and compassion.
The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. Zephaniah 3:17-18a
Today I will remember I am never alone. I am always in the presence of the Lord who delights in me, loves and encourages me, and helps me in every way.
[But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD:] I have been with you wherever you went.'” 2 Samuel 7:9a
[The angel Gabriel] said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28b
God is with me always. God is with you always. May we always remember we have nothing to fear: God is with us.
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me. Isaiah 61:1a
The Lord has anointed me with love, peace, and joy, May I receive the grace of God’s holy blessing, be filled with God’s Spirit, and become a source of love, peace, and joy for all people.
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.
Isaiah 40:1
Today I will lend you my strength in whatever way I am able. You are welcome to my experience of suffering, humor, joy, depression, peace, anxiety, and the hope I have found by walking through the valleys, climbing the mountains, and leaning on the Lord. This is the comfort I offer you.
Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways.
Isaiah 64:4
May you meet me doing what is of the Lord: kindness, generosity, compassion, forgiveness, encouragement, comfort.
Today I will be mindful of choosing the ways of the Lord in all my interactions.
Mary Ann McSweeny 