Day 1: Reframe | Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)

For reflection:

As we move into a new year, Jesus invites us to take notice of where our hearts and minds are focused, to be intentional and to reframe into His way. In our passage, Paul points us toward God, to His truth, promises, and eternal perspective. But how do we set our minds and hearts on Him, to begin to see our reality and experiences His way?

I reflect on what has been occupying my thoughts and attention. Are issues with work or school, people, finances, news, politics…weighing on me? Am I feeling settled (or shaken)? Concerned or at peace; content, discontent? Hopeful or discouraged by the reality I see? Are there judgments I am repeating to myself or others? Do they align with what God says about me or about what is good? I re-read and notice the beginning of this passage: Since then we have been raised with Christ. We have been raised to new life from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. With You, Lord.

Let us pray:

Thank you, Lord, for your grace and truth, your word; the gift of your presence and the opportunity to see ourselves and our lives from your perspective. Thank you for raising me to new life in You. Would you help me notice when I am being consumed by circumstances and wants. Help me to see a reality that is bigger than my challenges and concerns. Would you grow my awareness of where I am focusing my thoughts, my heart and mind. And would you reframe my perspective and retune my lenses and filters so that I see, hear and speak from your heart. Would you help right-size my insecurities, outrage, disappointments, and fear, and strengthen my hope, faith, and trust in You, embracing your view, your words, your love. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.

God, I wonder what you see when you look at me?

I wonder what fully abiding looks like?

I wonder what you will help me see as I live into the closeness and truth that I have risen anew with you?

Day 2: Reimagine | 1 John 4:10-12 (NIV)

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:10-12 (NIV)

For Reflection:

Imagine. God loves us.  He tells us that this is love. Not self-centered, human-contrived, contingent on reciprocity love; but true,  selfless, outward-facing, other-centered, action-focused love.  I sit with that thought for a moment and let myself reimagine what life refocusing on God's love would look like.  Would I begin my day in gratitude for all He's done for me? I imagine all the ways I try day in and day out to earn other's love; God's love. I pause, breathe deeply and refocus on God's promise: His love is made complete in us. Slowly, I reimagine myself, turning to God, accepting His love and asking God to make His love complete in me.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me. For showing me what love is.  I think of all the ways I've exhausted myself over the past weeks trying to meet expectations,  gain approval and earn love.  Thank you for allowing me to imagine anew what outward-facing, action-focused love really looks like. We  love you. 

What is God asking you to reimagine today?

Day 3: Recenter | Psalm 121 (NIV)

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

For Reflection:

How often am I looking out to the things to be done, to the people that need me, to the things that might validate me? How often am I looking in, trying to muster the energy to do the things or gain control over what I do and say through habits and willpower? How often am I looking to God? How often do I lift my eyes to The One who has promised me help? The One who will watch over me day and night, help me, protect me, keep me in my rest and in my coming and going. As I sit in this passage I refocus my gaze on Him and I let his love envelop me. My being can be recentered into the presence of my Creator, where it was always meant to be, where He is always inviting me to settle.

Let us pray:

Lord, Thank you that Your love is always present, here for me to abide in. Help me to see it, to over and over and over again recenter my gaze on You. Help me to trust your promises of help and protection and settle into Your presence that is always with me, always watching over me, always inviting me to look to You.

I wonder how I can refocus on God's invitation to abide in Him today?

I wonder what it feels like when I recenter my gaze on God's love?

Day 4: Return | Zephaniah 3:17 (MSG)

Your God is present among you,
    a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love
    and delight you with his songs.

For Reflection:

When a day turns into days and days into weeks and the “tyranny of urgent” is driving my time, it seems almost impossible to find space to sit with Jesus. In this weary space, my soul longs for more. I am reminded to return to Jesus to a place where I can get some distance between chaos and my soul. As Zephaniah says “happy to have you back (happy that you RETURNED), he will calm you with his love”. Return is defined as to come or go back to a person or a place. Do you remember that moment when the closeness of God felt heightened, perhaps more available than before? Return. Was there a story about Jesus that captivated you, invoking curiosity, wonder or awe? Return. Was there a moment in the midst of uncertainty where the truths of God grounded you and you became aware of God’s peace in a tangible way? Return. Let us return to these moments… recall those thoughts and feelings and let them be in the driver's seat today. Return to Jesus and be filled with love and light. Return to the open arms of Jesus, who sees us…all of us... and loves us all the more. Return to those moments when the distance between heaven and earth thinned and you recognized the presence of God among you, delighting in YOU. Shine bright beloved, you are so deeply loved.

Let us pray:

Lord, please increase my awareness of you and your unconditional love for me. We are a forgetful people Lord, help me remember the moments of connection with you and return to you! Help me manage the time you gift to me and return to you. Thank you for singing over me. Amen.

When can I return to God today?

If I keep returning to God throughout the day; what thoughts are forming, what feelings am I aware of, what actions do I take?

Day 5: Release | John 14:27 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

For Reflection:

Worry, fear, uncertainty? I’ve got this. I’m strong, capable, unbreakable. I have people in my corner. A good job. Food on the table. A roof over my head. Friends and family who love me. And yet, hard as I try to create my own peace and rewrite the reality of my life, the worry, fear and uncertainty that I work so hard to convince myself don’t exist, manage to insert themselves into all facets of this contrived reality.

Can you relate?

Am I perhaps less capable than I imagine? Less confident? Less indomitable? I reflect on Jesus’ words, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.” How can I possibly find such peace as this? Jesus’ words again speak clearly, “I do not give to you as the world gives.” Perhaps such peace can’t be found on our own. Perhaps what’s freely offered can only be accepted. But how? I feel like I should be doing something to create or at least earn such peace. As I pause and sit in this battle between my way and God’s way the word, release, comes to mind. “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Release your worries, your fears, your uncertainties. Release your grip, your need to be in control. Turn to me, refocus your gaze and receive my peace. I’m reminded of the hymn, “The Heavenly Vision", written by Helen Lemmel. The words wash over me, “O Soul are you weary and troubled?” followed by the promise: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Let us pray:

Lord thank you for giving me your promise of peace as I go about my day. Help me to recognize my need for you instead of always looking to myself for answers. As I refocus on you and release my fears and worries into your hands, help me to feel completely covered in your peace.

What things are keeping me from refocusing my gaze on you today?

What might it look like to release one (or more) of these things to you?

Day 6: Relinquish | Isaiah 55:1, 8-9, 12 (ESV)

1 “Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

12 “For you shall go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
    shall break forth into singing,
    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

For Reflection:

I admit that an economy of free sounds impossible. My pride can tell me that it is my own hard work that earns me what I have in life - food, material possessions, acceptance, self-worth. What is it that I am trying to earn on my own in this season of life? My fear can tell me that what I do earn I must hold onto tightly. What is it that I am afraid to lose right now? I hold these things loosely as I consider God’s thoughts that are higher than mine. He invites me to imagine a different way, even one that seems impossible to me. A world of abundance where everyone is fed, “it’s all free!”. A world where I don’t have to earn my place because I already have it as chosen and precious by God (1 Peter 2:4). A reality of joy and peace, of all of creation worshiping it’s Maker. What would it look like to relinquish those things that I hold onto? What would it be like to give up my thoughts for His? What would that do to my thoughts, my attitudes, my vision of this world, my actions as I interact with his chosen and precious children and His singing creation? I let myself abide in His thoughts for this moment.

Let us pray:

Lord, you are so gracious. There is so much abundance in Your ways and You give it freely. Thank you. Still, it can be hard to let go of control, of my own thoughts and ways, of the messages that bombard me from all over. I relinquish my own ways for Your ways that are so much higher than mine, even when I don’t fully understand them. Bring to mind specific areas where you are inviting me to do this. Help me enter into Your ways of abundance, joy and peace so that I may abide there always. I am humbled and honored to get to join with all of creation singing Your greatness. I praise you. Amen.

I wonder how I can refocus on God's invitation to abide in Him today?

I wonder what it feels like when I relinquish my ways for God's ways?

Day 7: Respond | Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

For Reflection:

This passage invites us to reflect on the patterns in our lives. Are patterns of thinking, speaking, and interacting evident as we go about our days? As I sip on my third cup of coffee working away at my computer, I realize the steps from the coffee maker to chair and back are shockingly few. How am I stewarding this body I offer to you? Someone speaks and I hurriedly respond; I realize I am frustrated by the innocent interruption by someone I love--annoyance reflected in my words and tone. Paul reminds us we do not have to conform to the world's patterns of interacting with one another - those we see all around us, on our feeds, the shows or movies we stream, even in our families. He says we can be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Can God really renew our minds? Neuroscience tells us new pathways are continuously being formed in our minds: Will we respond to His mercy and love by allowing Him to transform our thinking and responding to others in ways that reflect His love and grace more and more. He sanctifies us day by day as we draw near in response to His invitation to abide, as we refocus our attention on Him, His word and truth, and let Him transform us day by day.

Let us pray:

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for loving us more than we can possibly comprehend. Lord, in light of your mercy, would you help us see the patterns in our lives, those that work against us? And those that draw us near to you and others. Lord, help us to be present with you, to offer ourselves and participate with you as you renew our thought processes and patterns of responding. Would you give us self control to resist our old ways and lean into you as you form us into Your image. Would you help us recognize your mercy? May we grow to understand and live into your perfect will. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

As we abide together, I wonder what your mercy looks like today?

I wonder what new patterns of thinking and responding you are forming in me?

Day 8: Refresh | Ezekiel 37:1-10 (MSG)

God grabbed me. God’s Spirit took me up and set me down in the middle of an open plain strewn with bones. He led me around and among them—a lot of bones! There were bones all over the plain—dry bones, bleached by the sun.

He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

I said, “Master God, only you know that.”

He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones: ‘Dry bones, listen to the Message of God!’”

God, the Master, told the dry bones, “Watch this: I’m bringing the breath of life to you and you’ll come to life. I’ll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. You’ll come alive and you’ll realize that I am God!”

I prophesied just as I’d been commanded. As I prophesied, there was a sound and, oh, rustling! The bones moved and came together, bone to bone. I kept watching. Sinews formed, then muscles on the bones, then skin stretched over them. But they had no breath in them.

He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath. Prophesy, son of man. Tell the breath, ‘God, the Master, says, Come from the four winds. Come, breath. Breathe on these slain bodies. Breathe life!’”

So I prophesied, just as he commanded me. The breath entered them and they came alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army.

For Reflection:

This week, God invites us to recall what we have seen, heard, and experienced to remember His character. In Ezekiel's third vision, he finds himself among dry bones a true picture of desolation and then God’s breath reestablishes life infusing undeniable hope. Sometimes, I like to read the scriptures and let the scene play like a movie in mind, noticing things with my senses and getting curious about what I’m drawn to. In this scene, I’m watching Ezekiel’s face as he walks tentatively around an entire valley of dry bones. A shallow frown forms on his face as the vast sound of silence echoes the depths of hopelessness among these bones. In situations in my life where hope feels just out of reach, I look to see where God is. In this story, we find God standing at the ready to breathe life into these bones. I wonder about God’s face. Is He smiling? Do His eyes sparkle like ours do when we are about to witness something great? What are you curious about?

What do you notice about God? I see a God who creates life, a God who wants his people to know his name and the power that it embodies, a God who longs to refresh old dry bones with new energy, purpose and life to the full.

As a prophet, Ezekiel had the weighty task of delivering difficult messages to the people over and over again and I wonder if at this moment God is refreshing His soul with a vision of hope, renewal, and restoration.

I think about dry places in my life that need God’s refreshing. Come Holy Spirit, come bringing your fresh wind of hope. I think about some patterns lately that have me relying on my own strength and circumventing a possible connection with God. Come Holy Spirit, come renew my habits. I think about the “all out” pace of the world and my participation at that same speed that leaves me weary. Come Holy, Spirit come restore me.

Let us pray:

Lord, You know the areas in my life in desperate need of your strength and refreshment.  Would you open my eyes to the ways in which you are already working in my life and the lives of others around me?   Please awake my soul with your boundless love, mercy, grace, peace, and joy that I might find myself refreshed in YOU alone. Amen. 

I wonder what the Lord might reveal to me if you sit with Him and lay out the dry (hard, messy, uncertain, discombobulated, weary) places in your life. 

If God were to breathe fresh wind over my life, what might come alive?

Day 9: Revisit | Joshua 4:1-3, 18, 21-24 NIV

When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”

For Reflection:

God’s word encourages us time and again to remember God's love, presence, power, His word. In this passage, God has just brought the Israelites across the Jordan River closer to the promised land. He then gives specific instructions to gather rocks from the temporarily-dry riverbed to be placed on the other side--that they and all future generations could revisit and remember God's power, faithfulness, and presence. They would serve as a reminder of how He provided and worked in and through His people - all 12 tribes of Israel crossed the Jordan, walking past the Ark of the Covenant. His complete provision. I am struck by the fact that this passage comes before the battle of Jericho.

I reflect on the challenges I am facing and bring them to God in prayer. Am I in need of courage, wisdom, His provision? Something else?

God knew then and knows now that there will be times in our lives when we face challenges, when life presses, when our strength, courage, and faith may waiver. Notice how God instructs them to create this memorial, for remembrance for them and future generations. Revisiting the miraculous parting of the Jordan, with the powerful river in full view, reminds them (and us) of God's power, His faithfulness to His promises, empowers them forward. He helps prepare us for life’s challenges, to persevere in strength and courage, by encouraging us to stop and acknowledge His moves along the way through physical reminders and in our hearts, as evidence of His past provision, power, faithfulness and goodness.

I see the example in this passage. I notice where I need His encouragement in my life. I remember His presence, goodness and faithfulness—how made a way for the Israelites through the Jordan and ultimately into Jericho, His way. I ask Him to help me remember and revisit another time – in my life or His word, and help me to trust that He is making a way for me too, whether or not I can see it right now.

Let us pray:

Gracious God, you are holy, powerful, and so good to us. We thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for your word that provides stories and promises that we can revisit time and again to know you, remember your faithfulness, goodness, the abundance of your mercy and love. Lord, you know the season I am in. I hold before you my situation and concerns. (Pause to share these with Him). Thank you that you see me, that you understand. That you remain with me. I will remember. Lord, would you call to mind ways I have seen you show up and provide - in the Bible and in my life. I breathe with you as I remember. Would you fill me with your peace, speak wisdom to my mind and heart, and strengthen and encourage me to walk through this day trusting and revisiting you, remaining in you. I love you with my whole heart. Thank you for loving me even more. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

I wonder...

Do I think I think I need to muster strength and courage and figure things out on my own?

I wonder what God wants me to remember?

Day 10: Reclaim | Philippians 3:10-14 (ESV)

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

For Reflection:

Do you remember the day or moment when you realized that Jesus had made you His own? Perhaps you’re like me and there wasn’t a specific moment… instead, maybe more of a realization over time that somehow you’d inexplicably come to belong to God. Take a moment and recall what that felt like. Maybe you’re still grasping for that moment or realization; yearning to know the feeling of belonging to the Savior of the world. Can you imagine what it might feel like to be welcomed into His arms?

This passage is a sweet reminder that Christ has already made us His own. And, if Christ has claimed us as His own children, I wonder how I can continue to press onward, move forward and live moment by moment claiming this gift of belonging. I pause and wonder what it really means to belong to the Savior. Does this acceptance of belonging make me a different person? Perhaps kinder? More patient? Less short tempered or judgmental? I certainly don’t feel kind or patient or tolerant most days. I reflect back on Paul’s words, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What might that goal be? I envision the prize being a final destination: our home. Ultimately living with and belonging to Jesus. Let each day and moment be a reminder that God claims each of us as His own. Would you join me in beginning today by claiming (for the first time) or reclaiming (each and every day) Christ as our own, as a constant and reaffirming reminder of our belonging and our striving towards the ultimate goal of living with Him? Join me in remembering our belonging.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for claiming us as your own. Help me to be reminded each day of your love, your sacrifice and your desire for us to live eternally with you. Let each morning be a fresh reminder to strive to be more like you and to claim my belonging in you. We love you. Amen.

Do you remember a time when you felt like you belonged to Christ?

What might God be asking you to reclaim today?

Day 11: Recognize | 1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

For Reflection:

One of the most recognizable scriptures in the Bible. This passage is quoted often; many of us could probably spout off at least part of it from memory. Careful not to confuse recognition with fully knowing, I take a fresh look at this passage today and ask God to reveal new treasures for me in it. (paragraph break) How much of what I do in life is just noise? Whether what I am doing is good, bad or indifferent this scripture says if I am not acting in love it is nothing but noise. I pause and consider not only my recent actions, but my motivations. Am I doing good deeds searching for accolades or to be kind to others? Am I working hard at my job for the self-recognition or with a heart of service? Am I saying the right words but through gritted teeth and a cynical heart or with a heart of patient hope?

God, reveal your love in my life, and where you might be inviting me to move towards more of it. Your love that is patient and kind, that rejoices, believes, hopes, endures, never fails.

This scripture tells us that we only know God’s love in part in this world and it makes me wonder just how much of God’s love I actually recognize. Do I recognize him like a person I have met one time? Like the person (or scripture) I have passed one hundred times because we cross paths in our daily routine but I still don’t know at all? Like a friend who I invest time in and live life with? Like family member who lives in my house and gets to see my good, bad, and ugly?

I imagine all of the faith, hope and love that my mind can fathom, and am overwhelmed knowing that I am only recognizing in part – God’s love is even bigger. I yearn to see and absorb and reflect as much of God’s love as I can in this world. And as if the mere existence of this kind of love is not enough, this passage leaves us with yet another gem: “even as I am fully known.” God not only vaguely recognizes me, but knows me fully. Even in all of my imperfect reflections of his love, even in my inability to fully recognize him, he fully knows me - all of my actions and motivations, all of my good, bad and ugly - and he invites me into his presence through his love. I long to be be wrapped up in this love, to abide in it always.

Let us pray:

God, thank you that your word always has new ways to reveal your love to me every time I turn to it. Please grow my patience, kindness, trust, hope, and faithfulness. Help them to shrink any boastfulness, arrogance, self-seeking and anger within me. Keep me abiding in your love so that it can’t help but flow out into my motivations and actions. Help me to recognize places where I am acting in your love, and places where my motivations are coming from another place. Turn my whole being to focus on your love. Lead me into an ever deepening recognition of you and your love. Help me to recognize as much of you as is humanly possible in this world around me. Help me to be a vessel of your love that others may recognize your face through me. Thank you that I am fully known to you and that you pursue me and love me.

Where do I recognize God in my life? In scripture, an encouraging word, an answered prayer, a belly laugh, a sunrise, a song, somewhere else?

I wonder where I will get to recognize God's love today...

What is my reaction to being fully known by God?

Day 12: Record | Joshua 4:1-7 (MSG)

When the whole nation was finally across, God spoke to Joshua: “Select twelve men from the people, a man from each tribe, and tell them, ‘From right here, the middle of the Jordan where the feet of the priests are standing firm, take twelve stones. Carry them across with you and set them down in the place where you camp tonight.’”

Joshua called out the twelve men whom he selected from the People of Israel, one man from each tribe. Joshua directed them, “Cross to the middle of the Jordan and take your place in front of the Chest of God, your God. Each of you heft a stone to your shoulder, a stone for each of the tribes of the People of Israel, so you’ll have something later to mark the occasion. When your children ask you, ‘What are these stones to you?’ you’ll say, ‘The flow of the Jordan was stopped in front of the Chest of the Covenant of God as it crossed the Jordan—stopped in its tracks. These stones are a permanent memorial for the People of Israel.’”

For Reflection:

Throughout the Old Testament, we see the goodness of God being recorded with a stone memorial of some kind; when crossing the Jordan, Moses after receiving the 10 commandments, Jacob after a powerful dream, and Joshua with the renewal of a covenant. In step with what God spoke to him, Moses even told Aaron to put some manna in a jar to remember the way God provided for them in the wilderness. We return to Joshua 4 today and focus in on how God instructs them in the first few verses, how we might live this out today.

Last year I was on a hike (more like a meander) with dear friends, where the trees were plenty, the air was rich with the scent of fresh earth and damp leaves, and we followed along a winding river enjoying the sound of the rushing water. We stopped just before the top, and sat on a few fallen trees just beside the flowing waters. Breathing in the freshest air, with the sound of rushing water below, we paused to embrace the presence of God. My friend suggested we build a blessing memorial to God. We each took turns sharing our stories, as our rocks piled up with words like comforter, healer, ever-present, and Joy-giver. As we took turns remembering God I felt as though we had entered holy space, if it was any warmer I would have shed my shoes and honored the space in that way too.

God wants us to record His love, to be refreshed and renew as we remember over and over again the ways he provided for us. Maybe you don’t have a pile of rocks handy, but maybe a journal…why not open it and fill the pages with gratitude, experiences with prayers, moments when God used a friend or family member to remind you of His sweet love. Record and remember.

Whenever I read through my old journals, I’m thankful for the memories preserved on the pages. The record of what happened, where I saw God at work, and an answered prayer. I always wonder, if these moments were not recorded, would I have remembered?

1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to be prepared to give the reason for the hope that you have. Let's continue to define this hope for ourselves and others by recording the ways God shows up for us, reveals new insights while we read His word, and reminds us of His love, mercy and grace afresh each day.

Let us pray:

God, thank you for the gift of your word that demonstrates your love for us. Will you remind us to record the glimpses of your goodness, mercy, and love in our lives? Thank you for loving us. Amen. 

I wonder what your memorial to God would recount?

If we were to stop and record the stories of God, what stories would they tell?

I wonder what is the next small step in Abiding that I can take today?

Day 13: Rekindle | 2 Timothy 1:6-9 NLT

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

For Reflection:

Fear can powerfully discourage us at times, especially when allowed to build. Fueled and unchecked, it can begin to consume our thoughts and constrain or redirect our actions. We sometimes isolate and hide our fear from others. In this letter to Timothy, Paul shows us that sometimes encouragement to remember – especially when fear and worries build – comes through others in our lives. The people we share in close community with.

I sit in a few moments of quiet stillness with God and reflect: is fear…related to a situation or relationship… growing in me? Is it suffocating my faith, dimming the once-bright fire within me to a smoldering ember? I notice how this question stirs in me. Is fear quietly (or not so quietly) sneaking up on me? Is there something I am avoiding, holding back from, where I may be afraid? Afraid of failing,… being judged… or rejected? I sit with God in this…

In our passage, Paul reminds much-younger Timothy who is newer in faith and ministry during a time of intense challenge, to remember God’s power is in Him and will guide Him. Paul, writing from prison knowing He is soon to be put to death, certainly knows fear and how easy it can be to forget God’s presence, promises and power when fear presses in and wells up in us. Paul has learned the importance of remembering, and encourages Timothy - and us - to rekindle the smoldering embers of God’s gift within.

Who are the people in my life I can turn to when fear begins to overtake my faith, who will remind me of God's love, presence, and power? Are there people close to me who I notice are becoming consumed by fear or worry? How might I encourage, to fan into flame their faith and trust, His power and love within?

Let us pray:

God, thank you for your word that guides us and reminds us of your power, love and presence. Your word that assures us that the roots of self control and self discipline are in You and not solely dependent on our own strength and willpower. Lord, will you breathe into us, help fan into flame Your Spirit in us. Rekindle your love and power that still lives in us, even if smoldering dimly, waiting to encourage and strengthen us in every situation. May your light burn brightly within us, so that in times of uncertainty we may not shrink back in fear but would hold fast to the hope you provide, empowered to press forward…and encourage others as you lead us. Oh, how we love and need you, Lord. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

I wonder how spending time with God might rekindle my faith and trust in Him?

I wonder what gifts God has given me that He wants to fan into flame within me?

Day 14: Reflect | Psalm 77:11-15 (NIV)

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

For Reflection:

I don’t know about you, but I love to look back at my day, playing scenarios over in my brain. How I dealt with certain situations at work… how specific conversations transpired… how a particularly hard workout went or felt. Usually this look back ends up being a fairly short and subjective reflection and I come away feeling good about myself or with insight that will help me to do better or deal with a situation differently in the future. Self reflection can be an excellent tool for personal growth. Paragraph break

David reminds us from a place of anguish to remember the deeds of the Lord. He cries out, “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?”, immediately followed by the promise, “I will consider all your works and meditate on your mighty deeds.” What might it look like to reflect on my day and instead of asking, “what did I do well” or “what could I have done better”, say instead, “where was the Lord working today?” or “where did I sense His presence?” The same day; a different lens. How might my experience reflecting back on my day change if instead of looking backwards striving for accolades or personal growth, I attempted to reflect through the lens of the creator. Would God see my day the same way I subjectively see it? Would I have more or less grace for the conversations that had taken place? Would the reflection on my workout be about logging a best time on my run or would I perhaps instead be pulled into a place of gratitude for having the ability to move and exercise and use the body I’ve been given? Paragraph break

Just as David remembered the deeds of the Lord, I too want to remember His miraculous works in my life. And while reflection, through multiple lenses, is helpful to seeing and pinpointing His presence in and around us each day, I think it’s also important to not only reflect back, but stay aware in each moment. By doing so, noticing the moments throughout the day and attributing them to the creator, I can sit down peacefully at night and reflect through a lens of informed awareness with perhaps more grace and less judgment for myself. Reflecting on moments, recognizing His presence in these moments and remembering how gracious, loving and ever-present He is.

Let us pray:

Dear God, thank you for being present in our moments. Help me to reflect you in all that I do and say and to look for you throughout my days. Open my eyes to see your work all around me and to recognize your movement and intentionality. Help me to remember to look at situations through more than just my own lens. I close with a prayer from Psalm 19, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Amen.

If I were to reflect on my day through God's eyes what might I notice?

Day 15: Rejoice | Isaiah 62:5, Psalm 149:5, Philippians 4:4, Isaiah 55:12, Psalm 150:6, Ephesians 5:18-19

God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. Isaiah 62:5 (NLT)

Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with trimbrel and harp.

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

Psalm 149: 1-5 (NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 (NIV)

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6 (NIV)

Be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. Ephesians 5:18-19 (NLT)

For Reflection:

Today begins week 3 of our 21 days of prayer together.  We spent the first week refocusing our gaze on God, as he refocuses our thoughts and attitudes on his love. We took week two to remember all of the ways that God’s love has refreshed us and those who came before us and can rekindle our spirits as we abide in Him.  This week we will let God restore us as we abide in His redeeming love.  A love that we look at today through the lens of a wedding.

I love weddings.  The hope of a new beginning, the celebration of love, the joy and beauty shared on that day and of course the dancing.  But one part always stands out to me as my favorite.  As the ceremony begins and all eyes anxiously peer for the first look at the bride, at what dress she is wearing, at her beauty, at the start of something new.  My favorite part is to shift my gaze and watch the groom watching her.  The look in his eyes gets me every time.  There is vulnerability in that look that the veil of masculinity often causes him to conceal, but in this moment he is overwhelmed by love for his beloved; his face says it all.  Everyone is watching her, but it is him alone that she is walking towards.  She is coming to her beloved, she is committing herself to be his forever, and he sees nothing else in the world but her.  Do you ever feel God looking at you like this?  Do you feel his gaze of complete adoration and singular pursuit upon you?  He will rejoice in you like a bridegroom in his bride.

I set aside the list of why I feel I don’t deserve it, all of the reasons I could deny it, all the ways I could try to be worthy of it, and I still myself, surrender to the simple truth that God delights in me, rejoices over me as his beloved.  When I feel the loving eyes of the God of the Universe gazing upon me with tenderness I am humbled, awed and filled with inexplicable, overwhelming joy.  I can’t help but praise him.  I delight in the Lord as he delights in me.  My worship pours forth to the Father, Spirit, Son; giving me a glimpse of the joy contained in this eternal relationship of love.  Heaven and earth are consistently participating in this posture of praise.  All of humanity is invited to join together in song and hymn.  I add my voice and sing my praise to my God, my Savior.  "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!"  "All the trees of the field will clap their hands (clap, clap)."  "Let everything that, everything that, everything that has breath praise the Lord." "Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee.  How great thou art, how great thou art!".  Creation worshiping its creator and, incredibly, the creator rejoicing in his creation.  Beloved, your God delights in you today.

Let us pray:

God, it seems impossible that you could hold me in such esteem. I should be the one groveling at your feet. But you call me yours, you give me a crown, you delight in my existence. All I have to offer you in response is praise. Oh, how I delight in you Lord. I rejoice again and again in your great love for us all. You are so good. Keep me abiding in this love in everything I do, I praise of you. Amen.

What stirs in me when I picture God rejoicing in me?

How can I abide in a posture of worship today?

Day 16: Redeem | Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

For Reflection:

After Jesus lived here on earth, connected to God, He endured separation from his Father on the cross and gave His life that we might be redeemed - restored back to our creator God, at the ultimate cost of His life. When we begin to recognize the depths of this love and receive the gift of connection that God offers, Jesus redeems us - saves us. Saves us FROM separation from God and saves us FOR connection with God.

It’s interesting to note that pre-exile the people obeyed God to avoid punishment and post-exile they began to obey for connection with God. Is that my motivation too? Connection. Why do I pray? To build connection. Why do I confess? To restore disrupted connection. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites had cycles of rebellion, repentance, and restoration with God. Every single time, our God’s love for humanity was on display. If I’m being honest, this cycle lives in me too. Yet, He longs to continue to redeem his people and relentlessly brings life to us.

Trevor Hudson in his book Discovering Our Spiritual Identity says, “Easter Sunday morning is a joyful celebration of the power of God’s love and its unquenchable capacity to bring life out of death.” He goes on to say, “Just about any time we are surprised with new possibilities for life and healing in the midst of brokenness and decay, there is a little Easter that gives us a glimpse of the resurrection power of God’s love made manifest in the crucified and risen Jesus.”

This is our privilege, among the brokenness within us and all around us, to notice where God is breaking in with His healing and redemption to restore us back to Him. These little Easters are feeding our faith and giving us a front row seat to the results of redemption. Have you experienced a little Easter? Has light broken into the darkness within you? Or around you? Where in your life or struggles are you longing for light to pierce the darkness?

Let us pray:

God, I come before you now with a grateful heart. Thank you so much for the gift of connection with you. Thank you for being with us as we live in this broken world. God, it’s super hard at times AND you never leave us. I also know that you make it all matter. You redeem. May we experience little Easters along the way that strengthen our connection with you and increase our love for others. Give us wisdom to be still and increase our awareness of YOU. Fill us with your LIGHT God, that we might reflect you in all that we say and do. In Jesus’ precious name, AMEN.

I wonder what feeds my connection with God and how I can make a habit to maintain closeness.

I wonder what keeps me noticing my belovedness and God’s gentle nudges?

Day 17: Reveal | Psalm 16: 7-11. John 1:1,4-5,14

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:1,4-5,14 NLT)

I will bless the Lord who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I know the Lord is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.

My body rests in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead

or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.

You will show me the way of life,

granting me the joy of your presence

and the pleasures of living with you forever.

(Psalm 16:7-11 NLT)

For Reflection:

I read these passages and see God’s unfailing love—in a promise and a prayer. I see Jesus revealed. I see His power and faithfulness. The life and light He brings. Through these words and our Living Word, I see daily renewing of hope and trust, and I see so many promises embedded within! I breathe them in with a grateful smile, followed by a long sigh peppered with questions.

Am I securely grounded in Jesus, or am I shaken by challenging interactions with others, unexpected events, or things happening in the world around me? As I walk through my days and when I rest at night, am I confident in God’s presence with me? Am I looking for God to reveal His wisdom, strength, and power through His word to guide and restore me? Or am I leaning on my own plans, knowledge, and strength? While I want to trust Him with my whole heart, do I?

I admittedly find this hard to live out. Yet, I am encouraged by the hopeful prayer in this psalm, the confidence in the Lord’s presence, the absolute trust in His guidance, wisdom, and provision. I see the Lord as the psalmist’s complete source of joy, strength, and peace; and I long for that.

I wonder what God would reveal as I look to Him when I encounter challenges in my day and ask Him to reveal His perspective to me:

-Lord, show me what You see. In this situation I am facing.

-Help me to hear what You hear (in the words being spoken to me and from me).

-Show me how You see me and the others involved…

-How would You have me respond—in words or actions…continued prayer, silence and stillness?

-Please help me to trust you.

Our revealed Word of God, Jesus—God the Son—full of unfailing love and faithfulness, became flesh and dwelled among us. Whether we are feeling joyful and confident – or weary in despair, Jesus brings life and light; He guides and provides; He invites us to come to Him. As we seek and abide in Him, He reveals more of Himself to us…and in doing so, He restores us, one word, one step, sometimes even a breath at a time.

Let us pray:

Gracious Lord, I know that You are present and abounding in steadfast love and grace. You bring life, light, wisdom, and love. Thank you for your word, for all you are revealing to me. Thank you that you are right beside me, that you are faithful to your promises. Lord, please forgive for the times I seize control and struggle to trust you. Would you deepen my trust in you, help me to see things from your perspective and guide me in your wisdom through your word. Help me to remember that true joy and peace are found in You. Jesus, would you abide fully in me and help me to abide fully in You, in your unfailing love. Help me to remain steady in You, no matter what happens in my days and in our world. I seek you this day, and I trust you will guide and provide as I draw near. Thank you for loving me. Would you make known to me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence. I love you. In the holy and precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

I wonder where I will notice your presence today?

I wonder what you will reveal to me as I reflect on your word and lean into you?

Day 18: Renew | Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV Psalm 51:10-12 NIV

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

For Reflection:

Springtime is one season I look forward to with great anticipation each year. I can’t wait for the seed catalog to come in the mail so that I can spend countless hours combing through the pages on cold winter nights, dreaming about my summer garden. I carefully sort through my current seeds and list ones I need to refresh this year, checking on my soil and container supplies. As I prepare and dream, I can practically feel myself mixing dirt with warm water, creating a perfect cozy space for each individual seed as I push it lovingly into its new home with a gentle encouragement to, “grow strong little buddy, you’re doing amazing”.

I know that soon enough my seedlings will be growing their best, stretching for sunlight, encouraged each day by my offering of lightly spritzed water, help from the warmth of grow lamps and of course, constant encouragement spoken over them, “grow strong little buddies, you’re doing amazing.”

I wonder what about gardening creates such anticipation and tender care in me. I ponder and reflect if maybe it has to do with giving life to something good and helping to produce beauty. Perhaps it’s the fact that spring comes carrying a hope of renewal from the cold, dark days; a promise for warmth and light and newness. Plants tucked beneath the icy cold surface of the earth reawaken from months of quiet stillness, refreshed and renewed, ready to grow strong and beautiful for all to see.

But what about me? What does refreshed and renewed look like or feel like to me? More than 8 hours of sleep? A long vacation on a tropical island? A hike in God’s creation? We are promised in Lamentations that the Lord’s love never ceases and that His mercies are new every morning. We can awake refreshed and renewed in the promise that God loves us and renews our spirit each day. We are not alone on this journey called life, but are instead cared for by the Master Gardener as He tends to each of us with His tender love and mercy. I picture myself as God’s seedling, tucked gently in the soil waiting to be watered, nurtured and cared for, encouraged with loving words each day. I smile as I picture God spritzing me with water as His mercies wash over me. And as I sit with this image I hear His tender words, “grow strong little buddy, you’re doing amazing.”

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your tender mercies that wash over me each day. Help me to awaken renewed each morning, fully aware of your love and mercy. Thank you for your promise of hope and renewal, evidenced in your creation. Open my eyes to see the beauty of the world around me and to appreciate with wonder all that you have made new, tending gently with care and love. Renew my heart, my mind and my spirit as I enter today with anticipation for all you have in store for me. I love you. Amen.

I wonder what awaking renewed might feel like to me

Where do I see God’s promise of renewal around me?

Day 19: Receive | James 1:16-18 (NLT)

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.  Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.  He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

For Reflection:

It is about this time each year that winter starts to wear me down. I can make it through a couple of months of cold and dark by cozying in for the season. But eventually, my vitamin D stores deplete, the lack of sun and extra effort of bundling against the cold drain my energy and my spirits. This morning, even getting the kids to the bus stop, there was a bitter northern wind that made me want to go back to bed. In self-protection, I turned my back to the wind and by doing so faced into the sun that is nearly due south this time of year. The miniscule warmth of the January sun touched my face and it was enough. Enough to remind me that God is the God of light, and even in the depths of winter he is giving good gifts. Gifts of the brightest blue skies and the most spectacular sunrises, of a mirror smooth lake to skate and cute rosy cheeks, of long evening hours allowing for warm tea infused conversations with friends. He does not change like shifting shadows or with the tilt of the Earth. He consistently chooses us, gives to us and cherishes us like a prized possession. I am restored and revived by the mere receiving of his gifts. It's more simple than I often try to make it. We just get to turn our face towards his light and receive.

Let us pray:

God, I can think in circles about who you are. The upside down ways of your kingdom often leave my brain baffled. I should be giving to you, my creator and savior. But in your awesome ways, you somehow want to give to me. I give up on my over thinking, my analysis and self-reflection and I just recieve. I breath in and open myself. I breath out and receive your blessing. I breathe this prayer to you until it settles into my soul. I receive your love in my life. I trust you as the giver of all good gifts. I look to you as the origin of all light, ready to bring to my life a light brighter than the noonday sun (Job 11:17, NIV), brighter than a mid-summer day, never changing or fading away. I receive your light especially in the depths of winter, especially when I can barely feel its presence. Although in the winter of my soul I don't always feel it, I trust you when you say I am your prized possession because in your upside down kingdom you call those who are at the end of their rope as blessed (Matthew 5:3, MSG) and I receive your blessing today.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26, NIV)

I wonder where I see God’s good and perfect gifts and light in my life right now…

I wonder what blessing God is gifting me with today…

Day 20: Rejuvenate | Romans 15:13, Matthew 14:13-14, 22-23

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick….

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. (Matthew 14:13-14, 22-23 NIV)

For Reflection:

On this cold and snowy day, the thought of being rejuvenated—revitalized, given new energy—sounds beyond amazing! What gives me energy? Options flood my mind: A brisk morning walk through snowy wooded trails along the shore? A rigorous workout? A good, slow stretch to awaken my muscles and lungs after a generously full, restful night of sleep? The morning sunrise with its fresh air and songs and sounds of nature waking up always invigorates my body, heart, mind, spirit, and soul, in the promise of a new day ahead.

Where do I look for energy? What depletes my energy? Do my patterns of re-energizing look like Jesus’s? As I reflect, I am aware that this season of winter on my calendar mirrors a season in my life. I try to remember the last time I walked to the water’s edge and quietly watched the sun rise, savoring the peaceful stillness before light awakens the gentle movements and songs of the new day. It has been too long. I long to be re-energized and look to Jesus—whose invitation to come in our burdened weariness to Him—comes with His promise of compassion, gently teaching us His unforced rhythms of life.

In our passage, Jesus has just received the news that his cousin, John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way, who baptized Him, has been brutally executed. Jesus is grieving and processing. What does He do? He takes action to create space for connection with God the Father. While the time in the boat would have provided some space, He was immediately greeted on the other side by crowds again. Weary, I might desire to turn the other way; yet Jesus leaned in. Even as grief and weariness weighed, Jesus had compassion on the people. He moved toward them and healed them. How is this possible? What does He want us to see and know (and do)?

After healing the sick (and performing another miracle), Jesus then sends His disciples ahead to the other side, and Jesus went up to the mountain to pray. Alone. Jesus instructs and models that time alone, in solitude, resting in connection with God is needed to restore, rejuvenate, fill and guide. He lived it.

While it might seem that Jesus kept going from place to place, from need to more needs, there is more to His pattern. Although Jesus’s movement was forward, it wasn’t nonstop. He met many needs, yet not all. He paced and prioritized, sought and found those in-between moments for connection, abiding, with God. To be still in His presence.

What does His pattern teach me? Time being still, in prayer and solitude with God the Father provides strength, wisdom, and cultivates resilience. Even short moments of connection and rest in God, little Sabbaths–are restorative. They enabled Jesus to continue. While Sabbath has roots in the Old Testament, the concept of sabbath is important and relevant in our lives and world even today. If we’ll look beyond the barriers to the invitation to come to Him, to be still and know and listen. From a few minutes to a full day a week or more, these opportunities to reconnect with God fill us, restore our peace, our hope and faith, provide strength and endurance for all we do.

I linger in our Romans verse, in the idea of being filled with all joy and peace, overflowing with hope. I notice how this is connected with trusting God. Am I trusting Him? Am I creating space to be alone with Him? Jesus shows us how.

Let us pray:

Precious Jesus, you show us how to live, to lean in, to create space for connection with You. Thank you! Would you show me how to be still, to integrate patterns of connecting and resting in You; teach me to work from that place of rest and strength. Lord, help grow in me a desire for your presence and guidance, your grace and power to strengthen, rejuvenate, re-energize, and restore me.

Lord, we walk through seasons of life that are hard and draining. Amid our very full days, we are faced with many needs and expectations. Thank you that you see us and you understand. Would you cultivate resilience in us, so that we may be more present, compassionate, and loving with the people around us--in our families, neighborhoods, schools, and churches, no matter what comes our way.

Would you grow a desire in our hearts to create space for solitude and prayer, for mini-Sabbaths and extended opportunities to connect with and in you. Help me to abide in you, open myself to be seen, known, loved, and filled by you. Thank you for loving me, for making your home with and in me. Help me to follow your example, to live out your rhythms of grace and life, that I might learn to live and love fully, as you teach us. Oh how I love you. In your holy and precious name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

I wonder why I keep trying to power through in my own strength? 

Am I willing to be still?

I wonder what it would look like in my life to intentionally integrate patterns

of connecting with God,

then operating from that place of strength and rest in Him the way Jesus lived?