My morning routine has become a very important part of my day. I begin with a focus on that “one thing needful” and it brings to my day a foundation of hope.
This morning I woke to a very light dusting of snow and the snow always reminds me of Psalm 50/51. I love this Psalm and it is read at nearly every service at Church. My favorite section are a few verses right in the middle…
Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
From the Psalter According to the Seventy
Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they rejoice.
Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing spirit establish me.
This is part of my daily prayers and it is truly my hearts desire.
I love to add prayers to my morning that have been part of Church history for centuries. It makes me feel so connected to those who established the Church, to those who have gone before me and walked this path to salvation. They have so much to offer in encouragement and hope and their examples of steadfastness are lights on my own path. This prayer from my prayer book is one of my favorites…
Having risen from sleep, I run to Thee, O Master, for Thou lovest mankind, and I rush to accomplish Thy work. Help me, I pray Thee, at all times and in all things. Deliver me from every evil thing of this world and from works of the devil. Save me, and lead me into Thine eternal Kingdom. Thou art my Maker, The Provider and Giver of everything good. All my hope is in Thee and I glorify Thee, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen
Overnight tonight is when we are supposed to get our “big” snow. It is a rare occurrence in the PacNW so we are all abuzz about it. I hope to relish in this magnificent part of God’s creation tomorrow. God is sending me the opportunity for new Christmas photos for next year’s cards! But also, it feels me with such joy to walk through a winter wonderland! Stand by for some beautiful photos…God willing.
Do you live where it snows? Don’t you just love a good snow? So refreshing and renewing!
Have a blessed Friday! May He make you “hear joy and gladness” throughout your day!
Kindler of Joy! 