Ordinary Time

Pause

Take three deep breaths, eyes closed, and repeat these words in your head:

Breathe the Spirit in,
Breathe distractions out.

Breathe the Spirit in,
Breathe distractions out.

Breathe the Spirit in,
Breathe distractions out.

Listen

You, divine beings! Give to theĀ Lordā€” give to theĀ LordĀ glory and power! Give to theĀ LordĀ the glory due his name! Bow down to theĀ LordĀ in holy splendor!

TheĀ Lordā€™s voice is over the waters; the glorious God thunders; theĀ LordĀ is over the mighty waters. TheĀ Lordā€™s voice is strong; theĀ Lordā€™s voice is majestic.

Psalm 29:1-4

Think

Give to the Lord! But what in the world could I possibly give to the God who has everything? The psalmist suggests glory and power, but Iā€™m reminded of a song our choir sang every year of my childhood titled ā€œThe Jesus Giftā€ by Gilbert Martin. It goes: ā€œShall I gather emeralds / Shall I bring him gold / Shall I shower diamonds / White hard, bright cold / Shall I spangle jewels / Like stars above / Give him laughter / Bring peace filled laughter / Offer him warm laughter and love.ā€

We were created to be in relationship with God ā€” Jesus calls us children of God and calls us friends. And indeed, when we think of the people we laugh with the most, itā€™s often our closest family and friends. Look for Godā€™s sense of humor in your life today. Give to the Lord your laughter and love!

Lauren Holder

Pray

God of laughter and love, you created the platypus. Clearly you have a sense of humor. May I join you in laughter today! Amen.

Go

Let us go out into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit!

Thanks be to God.

Book of Common Prayer