MEDITATION:
Written by David Kool and Andrew Ryskamp, contemporary leaders of the “Faithward” mission. This is an excerpt from their article “How to Apply Micah 6:8 to Your Life.”
God desires for us to “love mercy,” or, in some translations, kindness. This is the Hebrew word hesed, which can be used to refer to God’s loving kindness to us. It is interesting to note that God wants us to be drawn to mercy—having compassion for those in need. This is not always easy, as we see so much human need; it is on our street corners and bombards us in the media. It is easy for our hearts to harden and our minds to judge: “These people are being both foolish and manipulative. They are taking advantage of our care.” And we need to hear God say once again, “As one of my people, I hope you love mercy—for that is what you have received.”
PRAYER:
Written by Izwe Nkosi, a contemporary South African author, passionate about worship and prayer.
Today I rest in the blessing of poverty of spirit. God, I am small, and You are great. I am weak and You are powerful. I have everything I need in You. I rest knowing that it is Your good pleasure to give me the kingdom.
Today I rest in the blessing of mourning. I rest in the embrace of the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort. I know that I can “walk all the way into my sadness” and find Your presence there.
Today I rest in the blessing of meekness. I don’t have to fight to make my own way. Shout to make my voice heard. Jesus, You go before me. You prepare a place for me. I rest knowing that the earth is my inheritance.
Today I rest in the blessing of hunger. I join with the groaning of the Holy Spirit and hold my longing for a world where you make all things right and all things new and give voice to my cry. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)
Today I rest in the blessing of your mercy. Because of your great love for me, You, who are rich in mercy, made me alive with Christ even when I was dead in transgressions–it is by grace I have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Today I rest in the blessing of purity of heart. Jesus, you have my attention. You have my affection. You have my allegiance.
Today I rest in the blessing of peacemaking. Good, good Father, you are gathering us, your children together. Prince of Peace, by Your Spirit you are expanding your rule and reign in and through me. Today I even rest in the blessing of being persecuted because of righteousness. I want to know Christ–yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection of the dead. [Philippians 3:10-11]
MUSIC MEDITATION:
Come Thou Font of Every Blessing Performed by Rosemary Siemens.
British hymn writer and preacher Robert Robinson (1735-1790) wrote this work in 1758. He was a barber’s apprentice who fell under the powerful influence of George Whitefield’s preaching.
Pathways Press.com 