Listen

The priest will then take the basket from you and place it before the Lord your God’s altar. Then you should solemnly state before the Lord your God:

“My father was a starving Aramean. He went down to Egypt, living as an immigrant there with few family members, but that is where he became a great nation, mighty and numerous. The Egyptians treated us terribly, oppressing us and forcing hard labor on us. So we cried out for help to the Lord, our ancestors’ God. The Lord heard our call. God saw our misery, our trouble, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, with awesome power, and with signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land—a land full of milk and honey. So now I am bringing the early produce of the fertile ground that you, Lord, have given me.”

Set the produce before the Lord your God, bowing down before the Lord your God. Then celebrate all the good things the Lord your God has done for you and your family—each one of you along with the Levites and the immigrants who are among you.

Deuteronomy 26:4-11

Think

Not too long ago, my friend Rebecca was behind me at a traffic light. I got the biggest laugh, because she was having some of the most heartfelt solo carpool karaoke time! I called her.

“Sing it, girl!” I said, when she picked up.

“Oh no. Where are you?”

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy some carpool karaoke myself. It’s just fun!

I wonder what it would look like to our faith if we were caught in an act of worship in the middle of a random day of the week. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites were learning how to integrate worship of God into their daily life, which is hard to do… even in 2022!

So let’s practice. Think of something coming up this week: maybe you’re competing in an event, getting a big test score back, or getting a driver’s permit. Think of a way you can praise God in the middle of the day whenever that event happens. Plan on it! Give thanks to God! That’s worship!

Molly Shoulta Tucker

Pray

Holy God, thank you for your presence with me each hour of each day.

For today’s joy and goodness, I give you thanks!

Keep my eyes and heart open for opportunities to praise you today.

Amen.

Go

Praise the Lord for grace and favor
to all people in distress;
praise God, still the same as ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.

Henry Lyte in “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” 1834