Ordinary Time

Pause

Look! I am doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don't you recognize it? I'm making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.

God (Isaiah 43:19)

Pause. Breathe. Let go. Make space. Behold. God is about to do a new thing. Can you see it?

Listen

You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation. And you will say on that day: “Thank the Lord; call on God’s name; proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples; declare that God’s name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things; proclaim this throughout all the earth.” Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion, because the holy one of Israel is great among you.

Isaiah 12:3-6

Think

Do you remember your parents reminding to you to be polite when you were younger? I can still hear my mom’s gentle prompting, “Don’t forget to say thank you!” And now I do the same for my kids — reminding them how important it is to say thanks.

It’s easy to find time to gripe and complain when things aren’t going well. But sometimes when we are happy, at peace, filled with joy… sometimes we forget to take a moment and give thanks. As God continues to lead each of us into new life, Isaiah reminds us that the appropriate response is thanksgiving and praise. When God does a new thing in our midst, we are to proclaim the fullness of God’s wonderful works to the world. We are to sing aloud about the glorious things God has done.

As God does a new thing, we learn to sing a new song.

Caela Simmons Wood

Pray

Holy One who dreams new dreams into our time, help me remember to say thank you. As I see the good news of your salvation around me, I want to remember to give praise back to you. My cup overflows with newness; help me as I learn to sing a new song. Amen.

Go

We make space for newness, and God does not disappoint. Our cup is filled to overflowing with new life, new hope, new love. God is doing a new thing in our midst.

Let us go forth to share what we have received this day.