Listen

That’s not true for the wicked! They are like dust that the wind blows away. And that’s why the wicked will have no standing in the court of justice— neither will sinners in the assembly of the righteous. The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is destroyed.

Psalm 1:4-6

Think

It is all too easy to feel blown around by forces beyond our control. When something does not go our way or a plan unravels against our will, we can feel like dirt caught up in a mighty and powerful storm. But Jesus, who calms the storms of the sea and of our hearts, can also provide care and calm for us in these tumultuous moments.

St. Luke assures us of our worth in the eyes of the Lord, reminding us that even the hairs on our heads are counted. “Don’t be afraid,” he tells us (Luke 12:7). Likewise, we can take comfort from the Psalmist’s assurance that “the Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous” (v. 6). Our every footstep along the way is known before we take it. Even if we trip over our shortcomings, we can pray for God’s help to become righteous each time we fall, trusting in our Lord’s tender and loving care.

Sarah Boatwright

Pray

Thank you for taking such good care of me, Lord. Help me to love and serve you and others before worrying about myself. Amen.

Go

A candle flickers and prayers arise.

Our Lord, who is with us in prayer,

stays close after the “Amen,”

and will guide us,

who are blinded by ignorance and darkness,

into wisdom and light.