Ordinary Time
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.
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 Lordās voice is over the waters; the glorious God thunders; theĀ LordĀ is over the mighty waters. TheĀ Lordās voice is strong; theĀ Lordās voice is majestic.
Psalm 29:1-4
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 Iām reminded of a song our choir sang every year of my childhood titled āThe Jesus Giftā by Gilbert Martin. It goes: āShall 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, itās often our closest family and friends. Look for Godās sense of humor in your life today. Give to the Lord your laughter and love!
Lauren Holder
God of laughter and love, you created the platypus. Clearly you have a sense of humor. May I join you in laughter today! Amen.
Let us go out into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit!
Thanks be to God.
Book of Common Prayer