Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Praise
Tomorrow we begin the season of Lent, a time when the earth shifts moods with the changing seasons. In the northern hemisphere the promise of spring and the Easter Passion hover amid the snow-covered trees while all of creation anticipates new burgeoning and promise. In the southern hemisphere autumn prepares us for winter as we gather harvests, snug in and burrow down, resting in the nurturing strength of the covenant promise. No matter our mood or circumstance, Lent offers us an opportunity to renew, re-touch, and re-encounter the risen Christ. Lent gives us a way to examine and re-define. Lent brings us a fresh wind and a new heart. Today we pray with Psalm 147 as we prepare for Lent, and look forward to the fulfillment of the Good News.
Glorify the Lord and offer praise to your God . . .
Today we give thanks for both our blessings and obstacles, realizing that grace arrives with our sufferings as well as our joys.
Who has strengthened the bars of your gates and blessed your children within you . . . ?
Today we give thanks for our progeny and our future, looking forward to the events that bring us into union with God.
Who has brought peace to your borders, and filled you with finest wheat . . . ?
Today we give thanks for all the harvests in our lives, for the opportunity to both give and receive God’s plenty that graces the earth.
The Lord sends a command to earth; God’s word runs swiftly! Snow is spread like wool, frost is scattered like ash, hail is dispersed like crumbs; before such cold the waters freeze. Again the Lord sends God’s word and they melt; the wind is unleashed and the waters flow . . .
National Geographic: Night sky in Patagonia, Argentina
And so, we pray,
Today we give thanks for all that we receive, knowing that we are asked to share these gifts from the Lord. Today we give thanks for all that we experience, knowing that we are called to love one another. Today we give thanks for all that is to come, knowing that The Lord has peace and joy in great store for us. Today, with all of creation, we give thanks and praise to God. Amen.
Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
For everyday words of encouragement, click on the evergreen tree above or visit: http://everydayencouragement.org/2014/02/23/god-bends-down-to-hear-your-prayers/
For more beautiful images from National Geographic, click on the image of the night sky in Patagonia, or visit: http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-of-the-day/tree-stars-patagonia/
The Noontimes 