Journey to the Cross 
Pause
Begin by asking God for eyes to see, a heart to praise, and a voice to give thanks.
Center yourself in God’s goodness and faithful love. Rest in knowing that God’s intentions for you are for good, not for harm.
Be reminded that there is nothing that can separate you from God’s never-ending love.
Listen
Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”
He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
Luke 19:39-40
Think
Light is painful to eyes that have become comfortable in the dark. And praise can hurt ears that have grown used to words of judgment and criticism. The Pharisees were good at throwing darts, especially at Jesus. They were good at berating others for not doing the “right thing.” They were always trying to catch Jesus breaking God’s rules in order to prove that they knew best. And now they want Jesus to affirm their bad behavior by joining them on the scolding bandwagon. Isn’t it obvious what they are asking?
But Jesus doesn’t attack the Pharisees. Instead he makes a profound statement about the response of all creation towards its Creator. Some individuals and even life circumstances may try to squelch the praise of God’s people, but this praise will never die.
In our own lives, the sounds of praise may wane or grow weary, but it always reemerges, even if someone or something else carries its tune for us.
Devita Parnell
Pray
God, help me grow comfortable with offering you words of praise. Teach me praise’s tune. Give me a song of praise to carry in my heart and on my tongue today. Amen.
Go
Pay attention to your words and actions today. Share generously your praise toward God and others.
Rejoice. Celebrate. Praise.
