May you begin your day with a sense of wonder, awe, and hope grounded in the faith that I Am the Great I Am. May you thrive with the awareness of my resurrection power so you can lay down the weight and cares of the world at my feet. May you be mindful of my design that before the foundations of the world, I am the one that holds everything together. There is no need to be afraid. I have conquered the last enemy, death, and the fear of the grave. (When I go Away)
Learn to focus your thoughts upon me and not your fears and celebrate the beauty of creation surrounding you each day. Like the darkness of night that disappears at the break of day, spring alive in your spirit to the eternal hope I am always with you. Remember, throughout your day, I am an ever-present strength in your topsy-turvy world of thoughts and feelings.
Today may you stop for a few moments and experience the paradise that exists all around you. May my presence help you see you are a dazzling light, one among the many. I want you to understand my desire for you since the beginning of time. I chose you to be my child to bear witness to my love and share that extravagant love with your family and those around you. (Contemplation: Seeing the World through God’s Eyes)
In the silent moments, contemplate, you are my daughter or son, or better yet, you are one of my countless children. In the noise and activity of life, learn to be still and experience you are one with me and with all humanity. I came down from heaven, suffered, and died to reveal my love and reconcile you to me and society. May you forgive yourself and forgive others as I have forgiven you. May your life resonate being connected interlocked and hidden and alive in my Holy Presence. Seize the moments throughout your day and understand your eternal destiny is secure in me. A new day awakes, and you are mine for eternity. (I am Present with You every Moment of the Day)
Reflection: As we age, we lose our sense of wonder, awe, and excitement of living. Thomas Merton relates we are so busy in the doing of life that we never stop considering the ever-present beauty surrounding us. “Here is an unspeakable secret: paradise is all around us, and we do not understand.” So let the paradise of everything around you fill your mind and soul today.
Prayer: Lord, today, let me have eyes to see your power and glory in the simple things I overlook every day. Let me take the time to stop and remind myself that paradise is all around me. Thank you for revealing your love to me, and may I shine with your glory as a brilliant light in the world. Amen
Scripture:
Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, LORD, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 108:2-5 NLT
Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! John 17:21 NLT
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” John 6:51 NLT
