30th. July. 2022.Daily Devotions.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12

There is something wonderfully foreboding about woods. The autumn forest is a beautiful cathedral adorned with gold, rubies, and sapphires. I am transformed and captivated by the forest. It’s a place of boundlessness yet confinement. With each step deeper and deeper into the woods the trees become so close together that the branches entwining, become as one.

Though you are wrapped in its embrace, you are free. I commune with God and am aware of His presence. I am in awe of His astounding beauty around me. I thank Him for becoming one with me, wrapping me in His arms of love and yet setting me free to take flight. I realize I am not the only one praying to the Father.

As the leaves gently sway with the breeze the quaking sound is as the gentle applause, proclaiming God’s greatness. Hymns sing through the canopy on windblown breezes praising God and worshiping His majesty. You almost want to hold your breath, yet at the same time want to fill your lungs with all its glory. I love the forest and I love God for gifting us with His magnificent, awe-inspiring creation. M Barge.

Dear Father of all creation, I humbly bow in Your presence, speechless! Amen.

Dwell with Me                                                                                                  
Alone with none but thee, my God, I journey on my way.
What need I fear, when thou art near O king of night and day?
More safe am I within thy hand than if a host did round me stand.
So dwell in me, I pray to thee, ’til breath shall pass away. Amen. ~ Inspired by a prayer of St. Columba (@ 560 A.D.)

Praise to God                                                                                                     
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips praise you. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and if there be any, return me to your path, and lead me in the way everlasting. All glory and praise be your now, and forever, Amen. From Psalms 63 and 139

Dedication

All through this day, O Lord, by the power of your quickening Spirit, let me touch the lives of others for good, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I speak, or the life I live. Amen.

Father, grant peace to the people of Ukraine, repentance and forgiveness to their oppressors and restore the lives of all who suffer in war. For Jesus’ sake hear us, Amen.