Back to School

Pause

A student body often joins together to celebrate excellence and achievement – in sports or in academics – at a pep rally.

But when it comes to the life of faith, you don’t have to achieve great things to be celebrated.

God has created you and called you – and that’s something to celebrate!

So we pray:

God of Life, breathe into me the truth of your word.

Redeemer of Love, nurture my faith by the promises of your word.

Spirit of Peace, anchor my soul with your wisdom of your word.

Listen

You are the one who created my innermost parts; you knit me together while I was still in my mother’s womb. I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart. Your works are wonderful—I know that very well.

Psalm 139:13-14

Think

Even the most modest artists take pride in their work. Creating something new — be it a sketch, design, poetry, lyrics, choreograph, recipe, or story — involves inspiration, dedication, and time. The commitment to the work at hand is admirable. When the project is finished, the artist can take a step back, breathe, and say with confidence: “I did that. I made it, and I’m proud of my hard work.”

I have a feeling God feels this way, too. In today’s passage the psalmist sings with gratitude the very fact of being “marvelously set apart” and recognizes that God’s works are wonderful.

I imagine a scene with the psalmist standing next to the Creator God, seeing what God has made new. The view is quite beautiful.

And the truth is — the psalmist is that piece of beautiful, wonderful work.

And another truth is — so are you.

Aram Bae

Pray

Creator God, I thank you for including me in your creation. Help me to live into the gift and beauty of being alive for you today. In all that I say and do, may it be an offering of thanks to you, for this life is short and precious. Amen.

Go

May God our Creator bless us and keep us.

May God the Redeemer smile upon us and be gracious towards us.

And may the Spirit of Truth lead us in the path of wisdom and peace.

And all of God’s people said: Amen.