Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Genesis 21:5-7, “Now Sarah said, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.”

For many years I lived where each morning I awoke to squirrels playing chase on the roof and birds singing their morning hymns. It always made me smile. Now in a city setting it’s more liable to be buses huffing and puffing or an irate driver honking his horn before the sun even rises. Too often I sigh and squirm deeper under the blankets.

Some days it’s all too easy to let the grumblings of my own, or others, take over the beginning of the day and focus on what didn’t get done yesterday, that is now a chore, or worry for the schedule ahead before I even get up.

Yet creation sings each day anew, reminding us that life is fresh and everyday, every moment, a clean slate. God’s word brings life out of death. That is a message of good news—anticipation. Regardless of the personal weather. Not the past or separation or failures are able to limit the Lord’s breath.

He stands ready to help us step into His joy—His hope—His way of living. With peals of laughter, alongside birdsong, to greet opportunities with pleasure and gratitude.

Lord, please help us to begin each morning with hearts of praise.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 51:12

“Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation,

And sustain me with a willing spirit.”

Tabernacle

Loaves

Two loaves the offering

day of proclamation

thanksgiving witness

to the Lord’s bounty

first fruits of each harvest.

Confession of praise

to His heritage

ongoing sacrifice

church body, broken bread

shared in remembrance.

1 Corinthians 10:16, “...Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?”

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 15:24, So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”

Three days earlier, Israel sang songs of praise, thanksgiving, and love to the Lord. Their hearts burst with joy at freedom from slavery, freedom from Pharaoh’s army. All the Lord had promised, He had delivered.

And now they journeyed. And now they met their first obstacle. And now they complained.

No preliminary prayer. No seeking faith.

Last week the Lord gave me peace in my heart over a long-term prayer. I was finally able to release the circumstances and sang internal praises all day long. Yesterday was cold and wet and I ached all over. My head was woolly and the people around me irritable. I grumbled and fussed all day long.

No prayer. No faith. No praise.

Forgive me Lord, for being so susceptible to the atmosphere around me, and so out of touch with You. You are still present, Your promises are still available. You will provide the drink today just as You did for Israel. Open my eyes to see with faith.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 107:35

He changes a wilderness into a pool of water,

And a dry land into springs of water;