Ordinary Time

Pause

Take my life and let it be,
consecrated Lord to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.

Frances R. Havergal in “Take My Life, And Let It Be” (1874)

Wherever this day finds you,

Pause and take a deep breath.

Offer yourself humbly to the Lord in the stillness of these moments.

Listen

The Lord’s word came to me:

“Before I created you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart; I made you a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:4-5

Think

My children delight in hearing stories about when they were babies. My son, in particular, has asked me about the day he was born countless times. And I enjoy seeing them giggle as I share details about their personalities, what they looked like, and the funny things they did.

What a profound realization when we think about how there is one who knew us long before our mothers ever laid eyes on us. How does it make you feel knowing the Lord knows you intimately and has set a plan into motion for your life long before you took your first breath? Like the prophet Jeremiah, you were fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who knows every detail about you and has called you according to God’s own purpose.

Niki Hays

Pray

Lord, you know me fully, and despite my shortcomings, you call me to the nations.

Teach me to live a meaningful life focused on your Kingdom.

Remind me of my worth, and use me to remind others of their value and worth as well.

Amen.

Go

Take my will and make it thine
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thy own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

Frances R. Havergal in “Take My Life, And Let It Be” (1874)

Surrender.

Give over to God your whole heart.

Live in the fullness of God’s grace this day.