Today’s scripture: Psalm 103:1-8 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Lynette Pullen):
Thank You for my children;
it has given me a greater appreciation for the love You have for me.
Thank You for allowing me to feel hunger and the pains of poverty;
it rid me of my pride and helped me to appreciate the simple things in life.
Thank You for tears;
they allow me to express and release my grief, as well as my joy.
Thank You for allowing me to be a victim of racism and sexism;
from them I have learned to be an advocate of justice for all people.
Thank You for allowing others to hurt me beyond human repair;
it gave me the opportunity to discover the supernatural healing powers of forgiveness.
Thank You for allowing others to abandon me in my darkest times;
it was then that I first realized You were always with me.
Thank You for the ability to love someone of the same gender;
It is against our cultural norms and therefore teaches me how to be in the world, but not of it.
Thank You for helping me to forgive those who have abused me;
in those moments, I was a shining reflection of You. What greater honor is there?
Thank You for allowing me to fall;
it was the only way for me to learn to pick myself up
Thank You for grace in times of failure;
It gives me the freedom to try again.
Thank You for allowing me to feel fear;
I know now that it is Satan’s tool to throw me off track, and I can use it as a sign that I am headed in the right direction.
Lord, Thank You for the many storms in my life;
I have learned to value peace and hold it close in times of trouble.
Thank You for your protection;
even though terrible things have happened to me, I know, in the deepest parts of my heart, that there are many things from which I have been spared.
Thank You for Your Love;
I wish I understood it more. It is more beautiful than the love of a mother. It is more magnificent than the wonders of the universe. It is more glorious than the morning sun. It is deeper and wider than anything I could ever measure. It is infinitely more powerful than darkest hate. It is more comforting than any words or embrace could ever be. It is all that I need.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.