Psalm 98
Sing a new song to the Lord,
who has done marvelous deeds,
Whose right hand and holy arm
have won the victory.
The Lord has made his victory known;
has revealed his triumph for the nations to see,
Has remembered faithful love
toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth;
break into song; sing praise.
Sing praise to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
shout with joy to the King, the Lord.
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell there.
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy,
Before the Lord who comes,
who comes to govern the earth,
To govern the world with justice
and the peoples with fairness.
--Reflection
Everything that we have is a gift from God.
Have I taken for granted all the wondrous works the Lord has blessed us with, especially His Son?
Monday, December 20, 2010
December 24 - Exalt the Lord our God
Psalm 99
The Lord is king, the peoples tremble;
God is enthroned on the cherubim,
the earth quakes.
The Lord is great on Zion,
exalted above all the peoples.
Let them praise your great and awesome name:
Holy is God!
O mighty king, lover of justice,
you alone have established fairness;
you have created just rule in Jacob.
Exalt the Lord, our God;
bow down before his footstool;
holy is God!
Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel among those who called on God's name;
they called on the Lord, who answered them.
From the pillar of cloud God spoke to them;
they kept the decrees, the law they received.
O Lord, our God, you answered them;
you were a forgiving God,
though you punished their offenses.
Exalt the Lord, our God;
bow down before his holy mountain;
holy is the Lord, our God.
--Reflection
Have I taken time this Advent Season to thank God for all the blessings I have received?
The Lord is king, the peoples tremble;
God is enthroned on the cherubim,
the earth quakes.
The Lord is great on Zion,
exalted above all the peoples.
Let them praise your great and awesome name:
Holy is God!
O mighty king, lover of justice,
you alone have established fairness;
you have created just rule in Jacob.
Exalt the Lord, our God;
bow down before his footstool;
holy is God!
Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel among those who called on God's name;
they called on the Lord, who answered them.
From the pillar of cloud God spoke to them;
they kept the decrees, the law they received.
O Lord, our God, you answered them;
you were a forgiving God,
though you punished their offenses.
Exalt the Lord, our God;
bow down before his holy mountain;
holy is the Lord, our God.
--Reflection
Have I taken time this Advent Season to thank God for all the blessings I have received?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
December 23 - Supremacy Over All
Psalm 97
The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Cloud and darkness surround the Lord;
justice and right are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him;
everywhere it consumes the foes.
Lightning illumines the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim God's justice;
all peoples see his glory.
All who serve idols are put to shame,
who glory in worthless things;
all gods bow down before you.
Zion hears and is glad,
and the cities of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
You, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
The Lord loves those who hate evil,
protects the lives of the faithful,
rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
Light dawns for the just;
gladness, for the honest of heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just,
and praise his holy name.
--Reflection
How am I rejoicing in my God's kingship during the holiday crush to "get it all done"?
The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Cloud and darkness surround the Lord;
justice and right are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him;
everywhere it consumes the foes.
Lightning illumines the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim God's justice;
all peoples see his glory.
All who serve idols are put to shame,
who glory in worthless things;
all gods bow down before you.
Zion hears and is glad,
and the cities of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
You, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
The Lord loves those who hate evil,
protects the lives of the faithful,
rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
Light dawns for the just;
gladness, for the honest of heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just,
and praise his holy name.
--Reflection
How am I rejoicing in my God's kingship during the holiday crush to "get it all done"?
December 22 - God's Power and Victory
Psalm 93
The Lord is king, robed with majesty;
the Lord is robed, girded with might.
The world will surely stand in place,
never to be moved.
Your throne stands firm from of old;
you are from everlasting, Lord.
The flood has raised up, Lord;
the flood has raised up its roar;
the flood has raised its pounding waves.
More powerful than the roar of many waters,
more powerful than the breakers of the sea,
powerful in the heavens is the Lord.
Your decrees are firmly established;
holiness belongs to your house, Lord,
for all the length of days.
--Reflection
How can God work through me when life around me is impossible?
The Lord is king, robed with majesty;
the Lord is robed, girded with might.
The world will surely stand in place,
never to be moved.
Your throne stands firm from of old;
you are from everlasting, Lord.
The flood has raised up, Lord;
the flood has raised up its roar;
the flood has raised its pounding waves.
More powerful than the roar of many waters,
more powerful than the breakers of the sea,
powerful in the heavens is the Lord.
Your decrees are firmly established;
holiness belongs to your house, Lord,
for all the length of days.
--Reflection
How can God work through me when life around me is impossible?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
December 21 - Rejoice, O nation whose God is the Lord.
Psalm 33
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the Lord on the harp;
on the ten-stringed lyre offer praise.
Sing to God a new song;
skillfully play with joyful chant.
For the Lord's word is true;
all his works are trustworthy.
The Lord loves justice and right
and fills the earth with goodness.
By the Lord's word the heavens were made;
by the breath of his mouth all their host.
The waters of the sea were gathered as in a bowl;
in cellars the deep was confined.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all who dwell in the world show reverence.
For he spoke, and it came to be,
commanded, and it stood in place.
The Lord foils the plan of nations,
frustrates the designs of peoples.
But the plan of the Lord stands forever,
wise designs through all generations.
Happy the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people chosen as his very own.
From heaven the Lord looks down
and observes the whole human race,
Surveying from the royal throne
all who dwell on earth.
The one who fashioned the hearts of them all
knows all their works.
A king is not saved by a mighty army,
nor a warrior delivered by great strength.
Useless is the horse for safety;
its great strength, no sure escape.
But the Lord's eyes are upon the reverent,
upon those who hope for his gracious help,
Delivering them from death,
keeping them alive in times of famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord,
who is our help and shield.
For in God our hearts rejoice;
in your holy name we trust.
May your kindness, Lord, be upon us;
we have put our hope in you.
--Reflection
How can I open my ears to listen for the herald angels to sing?
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the Lord on the harp;
on the ten-stringed lyre offer praise.
Sing to God a new song;
skillfully play with joyful chant.
For the Lord's word is true;
all his works are trustworthy.
The Lord loves justice and right
and fills the earth with goodness.
By the Lord's word the heavens were made;
by the breath of his mouth all their host.
The waters of the sea were gathered as in a bowl;
in cellars the deep was confined.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all who dwell in the world show reverence.
For he spoke, and it came to be,
commanded, and it stood in place.
The Lord foils the plan of nations,
frustrates the designs of peoples.
But the plan of the Lord stands forever,
wise designs through all generations.
Happy the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people chosen as his very own.
From heaven the Lord looks down
and observes the whole human race,
Surveying from the royal throne
all who dwell on earth.
The one who fashioned the hearts of them all
knows all their works.
A king is not saved by a mighty army,
nor a warrior delivered by great strength.
Useless is the horse for safety;
its great strength, no sure escape.
But the Lord's eyes are upon the reverent,
upon those who hope for his gracious help,
Delivering them from death,
keeping them alive in times of famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord,
who is our help and shield.
For in God our hearts rejoice;
in your holy name we trust.
May your kindness, Lord, be upon us;
we have put our hope in you.
--Reflection
How can I open my ears to listen for the herald angels to sing?
December 20 - Open the gates, the King of Glory comes.
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord's and all it holds,
the world and those who live there.
For God founded it on the seas,
established it over the rivers.
Who may go up the mountain of the Lord?
Who can stand in his holy place?
"The clean of hand and pure of heart,
who are not devoted to idols,
who have not sworn falsely.
They will receive blessings from the Lord,
and justice from their saving God.
Such are the people that love the Lord,
that seek the face of the God of Jacob."
Lift up your heads, O gates;
rise up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may enter.
Who is this king of glory?
The Lord, a mighty warrior,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates;
rise up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may enter.
Who is this king of glory?
The Lord of hosts is the king of glory.
--Reflection
How can I quietly wait in joyful expectation of the gift?
The earth is the Lord's and all it holds,
the world and those who live there.
For God founded it on the seas,
established it over the rivers.
Who may go up the mountain of the Lord?
Who can stand in his holy place?
"The clean of hand and pure of heart,
who are not devoted to idols,
who have not sworn falsely.
They will receive blessings from the Lord,
and justice from their saving God.
Such are the people that love the Lord,
that seek the face of the God of Jacob."
Lift up your heads, O gates;
rise up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may enter.
Who is this king of glory?
The Lord, a mighty warrior,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates;
rise up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may enter.
Who is this king of glory?
The Lord of hosts is the king of glory.
--Reflection
How can I quietly wait in joyful expectation of the gift?
December 19 - Grateful Hearts, seek refuge in Bethlehem
Psalm 71
In you, Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue and deliver me;
listen to me and save me!
Be my rock and refuge,
my secure stronghold;
for you are my rock and fortress.
My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,
from the clutches of the violent.
You are my hope, Lord;
my trust, God, from my youth.
On you I depend since birth;
from my mother's womb you are my strength;
my hope in you never wavers.
I have become a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge!
My mouth shall be filled with your praise,
shall sing your glory every day.
Do not cast me aside in my old age;
as my strength fails, do not forsake me.
For my enemies speak against me;
they watch and plot against me.
They say, "God has abandoned that one
Pursue, seize the wretch!
No one will come to the rescue!" God, do not stand far from me;
my God, hasten to help me.
Bring to a shameful end those who attack me;
Cover with contempt and scorn those who seek my ruin.
I will always hope in you
and add to all your praise.
My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds,
day after day your acts of deliverance,
though I cannot number them all.
I will speak of the mighty works of the Lord;
O God, I will tell of your singular justice.
God, you have taught me from my youth;
to this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, God,
That I may proclaim your might
to all generations yet to come,
Your power and justice, God,
to the highest heaven.
You have done great things;
O God, who is your equal?
You have sent me many bitter afflictions,
but once more revive me.
From the watery depths of the earth
once more raise me up.
Restore my honor;
turn and comfort me,
That I may praise you with the lyre
for your faithfulness, my God,
And sing to you with the harp,
O Holy One of Israel!
My lips will shout for joy as I sing your praise;
my soul, too, which you have redeemed.
Yes, my tongue shall recount
your justice day by day.
For those who sought my ruin
will have been shamed and disgraced.
--Reflection
How can I prepare my heart to follow the journey of the Magi?
In you, Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue and deliver me;
listen to me and save me!
Be my rock and refuge,
my secure stronghold;
for you are my rock and fortress.
My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,
from the clutches of the violent.
You are my hope, Lord;
my trust, God, from my youth.
On you I depend since birth;
from my mother's womb you are my strength;
my hope in you never wavers.
I have become a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge!
My mouth shall be filled with your praise,
shall sing your glory every day.
Do not cast me aside in my old age;
as my strength fails, do not forsake me.
For my enemies speak against me;
they watch and plot against me.
They say, "God has abandoned that one
Pursue, seize the wretch!
No one will come to the rescue!" God, do not stand far from me;
my God, hasten to help me.
Bring to a shameful end those who attack me;
Cover with contempt and scorn those who seek my ruin.
I will always hope in you
and add to all your praise.
My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds,
day after day your acts of deliverance,
though I cannot number them all.
I will speak of the mighty works of the Lord;
O God, I will tell of your singular justice.
God, you have taught me from my youth;
to this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, God,
That I may proclaim your might
to all generations yet to come,
Your power and justice, God,
to the highest heaven.
You have done great things;
O God, who is your equal?
You have sent me many bitter afflictions,
but once more revive me.
From the watery depths of the earth
once more raise me up.
Restore my honor;
turn and comfort me,
That I may praise you with the lyre
for your faithfulness, my God,
And sing to you with the harp,
O Holy One of Israel!
My lips will shout for joy as I sing your praise;
my soul, too, which you have redeemed.
Yes, my tongue shall recount
your justice day by day.
For those who sought my ruin
will have been shamed and disgraced.
--Reflection
How can I prepare my heart to follow the journey of the Magi?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
December 18 - Sanctuary
Psalm 84
How lovely your dwelling,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and flesh cry out
for the living God.
As the sparrow finds a home
and the swallow a nest to settle her young,
My home is by your altars,
Lord of hosts, my king and my God!
Happy are those who dwell in your house!
They never cease to praise you.
Happy are those who find refuge in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrim roads.
As they pass through the Baca valley,
they find spring water to drink.
Also from pools the Lord provides water
for those who lose their way.
They pass through outer and inner wall
and see the God of gods on Zion.
Lord of hosts, hear my prayer;
listen, God of Jacob.
O God, look kindly on our shield;
look upon the face of your anointed.
Better one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere.
Better the threshold of the house of my God
than a home in the tents of the wicked.
For a sun and shield is the Lord God,
bestowing all grace and glory.
The Lord withholds no good thing
from those who walk without reproach.
O Lord of hosts,
happy are those who trust in you!
--Reflection
Can I make St. Francis a home for my soul?
How lovely your dwelling,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and flesh cry out
for the living God.
As the sparrow finds a home
and the swallow a nest to settle her young,
My home is by your altars,
Lord of hosts, my king and my God!
Happy are those who dwell in your house!
They never cease to praise you.
Happy are those who find refuge in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrim roads.
As they pass through the Baca valley,
they find spring water to drink.
Also from pools the Lord provides water
for those who lose their way.
They pass through outer and inner wall
and see the God of gods on Zion.
Lord of hosts, hear my prayer;
listen, God of Jacob.
O God, look kindly on our shield;
look upon the face of your anointed.
Better one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere.
Better the threshold of the house of my God
than a home in the tents of the wicked.
For a sun and shield is the Lord God,
bestowing all grace and glory.
The Lord withholds no good thing
from those who walk without reproach.
O Lord of hosts,
happy are those who trust in you!
--Reflection
Can I make St. Francis a home for my soul?
December 17 - God Provides
Psalm 67
May God be gracious to us and bless us;
may God's face shine upon us.
So shall your rule be known upon the earth,
your saving power among all the nations.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May the nations be glad and shout for joy;
for you govern the peoples justly,
you guide the nations upon the earth.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you!
The earth has yielded its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
May God bless us still;
that the ends of the earth may revere our God.
--Reflection
Do I give reverence, in time, for the graces He has given me?
May God be gracious to us and bless us;
may God's face shine upon us.
So shall your rule be known upon the earth,
your saving power among all the nations.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May the nations be glad and shout for joy;
for you govern the peoples justly,
you guide the nations upon the earth.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you!
The earth has yielded its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
May God bless us still;
that the ends of the earth may revere our God.
--Reflection
Do I give reverence, in time, for the graces He has given me?
December 16 - I am nothing without You
Psalm 30
I praise you, Lord, for you raised me up
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O Lord, my God,
I cried out to you and you healed me.
Lord, you brought me up from Sheol;
you kept me from going down to the pit.
Sing praise to the Lord, you faithful;
give thanks to God's holy name.
For divine anger lasts but a moment;
divine favor lasts a lifetime.
At dusk weeping comes for the night;
but at dawn there is rejoicing.
Complacent, I once said,
"I shall never be shaken."
Lord, when you showed me favor
I stood like the mighty mountains.
But when you hid your face
I was struck with terror.
To you, Lord, I cried out;
with the Lord I pleaded for mercy:
"What gain is there from my lifeblood,
from my going down to the grave?
Does dust give you thanks
or declare your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper."
You changed my mourning into dancing;
you took off my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness.
With my whole being I sing
endless praise to you.
O Lord, my God,
forever will I give you thanks.
--Reflection
I give thanks, knowing that You will pull me through
I praise you, Lord, for you raised me up
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O Lord, my God,
I cried out to you and you healed me.
Lord, you brought me up from Sheol;
you kept me from going down to the pit.
Sing praise to the Lord, you faithful;
give thanks to God's holy name.
For divine anger lasts but a moment;
divine favor lasts a lifetime.
At dusk weeping comes for the night;
but at dawn there is rejoicing.
Complacent, I once said,
"I shall never be shaken."
Lord, when you showed me favor
I stood like the mighty mountains.
But when you hid your face
I was struck with terror.
To you, Lord, I cried out;
with the Lord I pleaded for mercy:
"What gain is there from my lifeblood,
from my going down to the grave?
Does dust give you thanks
or declare your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper."
You changed my mourning into dancing;
you took off my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness.
With my whole being I sing
endless praise to you.
O Lord, my God,
forever will I give you thanks.
--Reflection
I give thanks, knowing that You will pull me through
December 15 - The Lord's Peace
Psalm 85
You once favored, Lord, your land,
restored the good fortune of Jacob.
You forgave the guilt of your people,
pardoned all their sins.
You withdrew all your wrath,
turned back your burning anger.
Restore us once more, God our savior;
abandon your wrath against us.
Will you be angry with us forever,
drag out your anger for all generations?
Please give us life again,
that your people may rejoice in you.
Show us, Lord, your love;
grant us your salvation.
I will listen for the word of God;
surely the Lord will proclaim peace
To his people, to the faithful,
to those who trust in him.
Near indeed is salvation for the loyal;
prosperity will fill our land.
Love and truth will meet;
justice and peace will kiss.
Truth will spring from the earth;
justice will look down from heaven.
The Lord will surely grant abundance;
our land will yield its increase.
Prosperity will march before the Lord,
and good fortune will follow behind.
--Reflection
Part of making inner peace with ourselves is our ability to forgive, as God forgives each one of us, any transgressions that others may have fostered upon us.
Are we able to forgive others as God has forgiven us?
You once favored, Lord, your land,
restored the good fortune of Jacob.
You forgave the guilt of your people,
pardoned all their sins.
You withdrew all your wrath,
turned back your burning anger.
Restore us once more, God our savior;
abandon your wrath against us.
Will you be angry with us forever,
drag out your anger for all generations?
Please give us life again,
that your people may rejoice in you.
Show us, Lord, your love;
grant us your salvation.
I will listen for the word of God;
surely the Lord will proclaim peace
To his people, to the faithful,
to those who trust in him.
Near indeed is salvation for the loyal;
prosperity will fill our land.
Love and truth will meet;
justice and peace will kiss.
Truth will spring from the earth;
justice will look down from heaven.
The Lord will surely grant abundance;
our land will yield its increase.
Prosperity will march before the Lord,
and good fortune will follow behind.
--Reflection
Part of making inner peace with ourselves is our ability to forgive, as God forgives each one of us, any transgressions that others may have fostered upon us.
Are we able to forgive others as God has forgiven us?
December 14 - Watch Over Me
Psalm 34
I will bless the Lord at all times;
praise shall be always in my mouth.
My soul will glory in the Lord
that the poor may hear and be glad.
Magnify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, who answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
Look to God that you may be radiant with joy
and your faces may not blush for shame.
In my misfortune I called,
the Lord heard and saved me from all distress.
The angel of the Lord, who encamps with them,
delivers all who fear God.
Learn to savor how good the Lord is;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
Fear the Lord, you holy ones;
nothing is lacking to those who fear him.
The powerful grow poor and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Come, children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Who among you loves life,
takes delight in prosperous days?
Keep your tongue from evil,
your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The Lord has eyes for the just
and ears for their cry.
The Lord's face is against evildoers
to wipe out their memory from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears
and rescues them from all distress.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed.
Many are the troubles of the just,
but the Lord delivers from them all.
God watches over all their bones;
not a one shall be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked;
those who hate the just are condemned.
The Lord redeems loyal servants;
no one is condemned whose refuge is God.
--Reflection
Surely we know that God watches over us throughout our lives, but do we keep our faith in Him as we go through our joys and sufferings that make up our daily lives?
I will bless the Lord at all times;
praise shall be always in my mouth.
My soul will glory in the Lord
that the poor may hear and be glad.
Magnify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, who answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
Look to God that you may be radiant with joy
and your faces may not blush for shame.
In my misfortune I called,
the Lord heard and saved me from all distress.
The angel of the Lord, who encamps with them,
delivers all who fear God.
Learn to savor how good the Lord is;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
Fear the Lord, you holy ones;
nothing is lacking to those who fear him.
The powerful grow poor and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Come, children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Who among you loves life,
takes delight in prosperous days?
Keep your tongue from evil,
your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The Lord has eyes for the just
and ears for their cry.
The Lord's face is against evildoers
to wipe out their memory from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears
and rescues them from all distress.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed.
Many are the troubles of the just,
but the Lord delivers from them all.
God watches over all their bones;
not a one shall be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked;
those who hate the just are condemned.
The Lord redeems loyal servants;
no one is condemned whose refuge is God.
--Reflection
Surely we know that God watches over us throughout our lives, but do we keep our faith in Him as we go through our joys and sufferings that make up our daily lives?
December 13 - Guide Me Lord
Psalm 25
I wait for you, O Lord;
I lift up my soul to my God.
In you I trust; do not let me be disgraced;
do not let my enemies gloat over me.
No one is disgraced who waits for you,
but only those who lightly break faith.
Make known to me your ways, Lord;
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
For you I wait all the long day,
because of your goodness, Lord.
Remember your compassion and love,
O Lord; for they are ages old.
Remember no more the sins of my youth;
remember me only in light of your love.
Good and upright is the Lord,
who shows sinners the way,
Guides the humble rightly,
and teaches the humble the way.
All the paths of the Lord are faithful love
toward those who honor the covenant demands.
For the sake of your name, Lord,
pardon my guilt, though it is great.
Who are those who fear the Lord?
God shows them the way to choose.
They live well and prosper,
and their descendants inherit the land.
The counsel of the Lord belongs to the faithful;
the covenant instructs them.
My eyes are ever upon the Lord,
who frees my feet from the snare.
Look upon me, have pity on me,
for I am alone and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart;
bring me out of my distress.
Put an end to my affliction and suffering;
take away all my sins.
See how many are my enemies,
see how fiercely they hate me.
Preserve my life and rescue me;
do not let me be disgraced, for I trust in you.
Let honesty and virtue preserve me;
I wait for you, O Lord.
Redeem Israel, God,
From all its distress.
--Reflection
Have I accepted the Lord as my Shepherd and Forgiver of all my sins?
Do I pray the way David did for guidance in my spiritual life?
I wait for you, O Lord;
I lift up my soul to my God.
In you I trust; do not let me be disgraced;
do not let my enemies gloat over me.
No one is disgraced who waits for you,
but only those who lightly break faith.
Make known to me your ways, Lord;
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
For you I wait all the long day,
because of your goodness, Lord.
Remember your compassion and love,
O Lord; for they are ages old.
Remember no more the sins of my youth;
remember me only in light of your love.
Good and upright is the Lord,
who shows sinners the way,
Guides the humble rightly,
and teaches the humble the way.
All the paths of the Lord are faithful love
toward those who honor the covenant demands.
For the sake of your name, Lord,
pardon my guilt, though it is great.
Who are those who fear the Lord?
God shows them the way to choose.
They live well and prosper,
and their descendants inherit the land.
The counsel of the Lord belongs to the faithful;
the covenant instructs them.
My eyes are ever upon the Lord,
who frees my feet from the snare.
Look upon me, have pity on me,
for I am alone and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart;
bring me out of my distress.
Put an end to my affliction and suffering;
take away all my sins.
See how many are my enemies,
see how fiercely they hate me.
Preserve my life and rescue me;
do not let me be disgraced, for I trust in you.
Let honesty and virtue preserve me;
I wait for you, O Lord.
Redeem Israel, God,
From all its distress.
--Reflection
Have I accepted the Lord as my Shepherd and Forgiver of all my sins?
Do I pray the way David did for guidance in my spiritual life?
December 12 - Gaudete! The Lord is near.
Psalm 146
Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord, my soul;
I shall praise the Lord all my life,
sing praise to my God while I live.
Put no trust in princes,
in mere mortals powerless to save.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth;
that day all their planning comes to nothing.
Happy those whose help is Jacob's God,
whose hope is in the Lord, their God,
The maker of heaven and earth,
the seas and all that is in them,
Who keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free;
the Lord gives sight to the blind.
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord protects the stranger,
sustains the orphan and the widow,
but thwarts the way of the wicked.
The Lord shall reign forever,
your God, Zion, through all generations!
Hallelujah!
--Reflection
As God reveals Himself to me today, am I showing by how I live that I believe in Him and hold fast to his Name?
"Go and tell John what you hear and see"
--Matthew 11:4
Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord, my soul;
I shall praise the Lord all my life,
sing praise to my God while I live.
Put no trust in princes,
in mere mortals powerless to save.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth;
that day all their planning comes to nothing.
Happy those whose help is Jacob's God,
whose hope is in the Lord, their God,
The maker of heaven and earth,
the seas and all that is in them,
Who keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free;
the Lord gives sight to the blind.
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord protects the stranger,
sustains the orphan and the widow,
but thwarts the way of the wicked.
The Lord shall reign forever,
your God, Zion, through all generations!
Hallelujah!
--Reflection
As God reveals Himself to me today, am I showing by how I live that I believe in Him and hold fast to his Name?
"Go and tell John what you hear and see"
--Matthew 11:4
December 11 - Calling
Psalm 63
O God, you are my God--
for you I long!
For you my body yearns;
for you my soul thirsts,
Like a land parched, lifeless,
and without water.
So I look to you in the sanctuary
to see your power and glory.
For your love is better than life;
my lips offer you worship!
I will bless you as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.
My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise,
with joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!
When I think of you upon my bed,
through the night watches I will recall
That you indeed are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you;
your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek my life will come to ruin;
they shall go down to the depths of the earth!
They shall be handed over to the sword
and become the prey of jackals!
But the king shall rejoice in God;
all who swear by the Lord shall exult,
for the mouths of liars will be shut!
--Reflection
How do I respond to God's calling just as Elijah and John the Baptist did?
Do I respond to Him truthfully?
"Elijah has already come"
--Matthew 17:12
O God, you are my God--
for you I long!
For you my body yearns;
for you my soul thirsts,
Like a land parched, lifeless,
and without water.
So I look to you in the sanctuary
to see your power and glory.
For your love is better than life;
my lips offer you worship!
I will bless you as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.
My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise,
with joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!
When I think of you upon my bed,
through the night watches I will recall
That you indeed are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you;
your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek my life will come to ruin;
they shall go down to the depths of the earth!
They shall be handed over to the sword
and become the prey of jackals!
But the king shall rejoice in God;
all who swear by the Lord shall exult,
for the mouths of liars will be shut!
--Reflection
How do I respond to God's calling just as Elijah and John the Baptist did?
Do I respond to Him truthfully?
"Elijah has already come"
--Matthew 17:12
December 10 - Heed God's Commandments!
Psalm 1
Happy those who do not follow
the counsel of the wicked,
Nor go the way of sinners,
nor sit in company with scoffers.
Rather, the law of the Lord is their joy;
God's law they study day and night.
They are like a tree
planted near streams of water,
that yields its fruit in season;
Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers.
But not the wicked!
They are like chaff driven by the wind.
Therefore the wicked will not survive judgment,
nor will sinners in the assembly of the just.
The Lord watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
--Reflection
As I go about my daily routines, how do I heed God's commandments?
Do I succeed and experience a freedom from the routine of daily life?
Do I do my best, and pray and know that God loves me?
"I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good...."
--Isaiah 48:17
Happy those who do not follow
the counsel of the wicked,
Nor go the way of sinners,
nor sit in company with scoffers.
Rather, the law of the Lord is their joy;
God's law they study day and night.
They are like a tree
planted near streams of water,
that yields its fruit in season;
Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers.
But not the wicked!
They are like chaff driven by the wind.
Therefore the wicked will not survive judgment,
nor will sinners in the assembly of the just.
The Lord watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
--Reflection
As I go about my daily routines, how do I heed God's commandments?
Do I succeed and experience a freedom from the routine of daily life?
Do I do my best, and pray and know that God loves me?
"I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good...."
--Isaiah 48:17
December 9 - God Is......
Psalm 145
I will extol you, my God and king;
I will bless your name forever.
Every day I will bless you;
I will praise your name forever.
Great is the Lord and worthy of high praise;
God's grandeur is beyond understanding.
One generation praises your deeds to the next
and proclaims your mighty works.
They speak of the splendor of your majestic glory,
tell of your wonderful deeds.
They speak of your fearsome power
and attest to your great deeds.
They publish the renown of your abounding goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in love.
The Lord is good to all,
compassionate to every creature.
All your works give you thanks, O Lord
and your faithful bless you.
They speak of the glory of your reign
and tell of your great works,
Making known to all your power,
the glorious splendor of your rule.
Your reign is a reign for all ages,
your dominion for all generations.
The Lord is trustworthy in every word,
and faithful in every work.
The Lord supports all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look hopefully to you;
you give them their food in due season.
You open wide your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
You, Lord, are just in all your ways,
faithful in all your works.
You, Lord, are near to all who call upon you,
to all who call upon you in truth.
You satisfy the desire of those who fear you;
you hear their cry and save them.
You, Lord, watch over all who love you,
but all the wicked you destroy.
My mouth will speak your praise, Lord;
all flesh will bless your holy name forever.
--Reflection
How do I describe what God means to me?
I will extol you, my God and king;
I will bless your name forever.
Every day I will bless you;
I will praise your name forever.
Great is the Lord and worthy of high praise;
God's grandeur is beyond understanding.
One generation praises your deeds to the next
and proclaims your mighty works.
They speak of the splendor of your majestic glory,
tell of your wonderful deeds.
They speak of your fearsome power
and attest to your great deeds.
They publish the renown of your abounding goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in love.
The Lord is good to all,
compassionate to every creature.
All your works give you thanks, O Lord
and your faithful bless you.
They speak of the glory of your reign
and tell of your great works,
Making known to all your power,
the glorious splendor of your rule.
Your reign is a reign for all ages,
your dominion for all generations.
The Lord is trustworthy in every word,
and faithful in every work.
The Lord supports all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look hopefully to you;
you give them their food in due season.
You open wide your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
You, Lord, are just in all your ways,
faithful in all your works.
You, Lord, are near to all who call upon you,
to all who call upon you in truth.
You satisfy the desire of those who fear you;
you hear their cry and save them.
You, Lord, watch over all who love you,
but all the wicked you destroy.
My mouth will speak your praise, Lord;
all flesh will bless your holy name forever.
--Reflection
How do I describe what God means to me?
December 8 - Gifts of God
Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, my soul;
all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, my soul;
do not forget all the gifts of God,
Who pardons all your sins,
heals all your ills,
Delivers your life from the pit,
surrounds you with love and compassion,
Fills your days with good things;
your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord does righteous deeds,
brings justice to all the oppressed.
His ways were revealed to Moses,
mighty deeds to the people of Israel.
Merciful and gracious is the Lord,
slow to anger, abounding in kindness.
God does not always rebuke,
nurses no lasting anger,
Has not dealt with us as our sins merit,
nor requited us as our deeds deserve.
As the heavens tower over the earth,
so God's love towers over the faithful.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far have our sins been removed from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on the faithful.
For he knows how we are formed,
remembers that we are dust.
Our days are like the grass;
like flowers of the field we blossom.
The wind sweeps over us and we are gone;
our place knows us no more.
But the Lord's kindness is forever,
toward the faithful from age to age.
He favors the children's children
of those who keep his covenant,
who take care to fulfill its precepts.
The Lord's throne is established in heaven;
God's royal power rules over all.
Bless the Lord, all you angels,
mighty in strength and attentive,
obedient to every command.
Bless the Lord, all you hosts,
ministers who do God's will.
Bless the Lord, all creatures
everywhere in God's domain.
Bless the Lord, my soul.
--Reflection
What are some gifts of God that I receive each day?
Bless the Lord, my soul;
all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, my soul;
do not forget all the gifts of God,
Who pardons all your sins,
heals all your ills,
Delivers your life from the pit,
surrounds you with love and compassion,
Fills your days with good things;
your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord does righteous deeds,
brings justice to all the oppressed.
His ways were revealed to Moses,
mighty deeds to the people of Israel.
Merciful and gracious is the Lord,
slow to anger, abounding in kindness.
God does not always rebuke,
nurses no lasting anger,
Has not dealt with us as our sins merit,
nor requited us as our deeds deserve.
As the heavens tower over the earth,
so God's love towers over the faithful.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far have our sins been removed from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on the faithful.
For he knows how we are formed,
remembers that we are dust.
Our days are like the grass;
like flowers of the field we blossom.
The wind sweeps over us and we are gone;
our place knows us no more.
But the Lord's kindness is forever,
toward the faithful from age to age.
He favors the children's children
of those who keep his covenant,
who take care to fulfill its precepts.
The Lord's throne is established in heaven;
God's royal power rules over all.
Bless the Lord, all you angels,
mighty in strength and attentive,
obedient to every command.
Bless the Lord, all you hosts,
ministers who do God's will.
Bless the Lord, all creatures
everywhere in God's domain.
Bless the Lord, my soul.
--Reflection
What are some gifts of God that I receive each day?
December 7 - A New Song
Psalm 96
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
announce his salvation day after day.
Tell God's glory among the nations;
among all peoples, God's marvelous deeds.
For great is the Lord and highly to be praised,
to be feared above all gods.
For the gods of the nations all do nothing,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and power go before him;
power and grandeur are in his holy place.
Give to the Lord, you families of nations,
give to the Lord glory and might;
give to the Lord the glory due his name!
Bring gifts and enter his courts;
bow down to the Lord, splendid in holiness.
Tremble before God, all the earth;
say among the nations: The Lord is king.
The world will surely stand fast, never to be moved.
God rules the peoples with fairness.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them.
Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice
before the Lord who comes,
who comes to govern the earth,
To govern the world with justice
and the peoples with faithfulness.
--Reflection
How can I open my heart in song and love for God?
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
announce his salvation day after day.
Tell God's glory among the nations;
among all peoples, God's marvelous deeds.
For great is the Lord and highly to be praised,
to be feared above all gods.
For the gods of the nations all do nothing,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and power go before him;
power and grandeur are in his holy place.
Give to the Lord, you families of nations,
give to the Lord glory and might;
give to the Lord the glory due his name!
Bring gifts and enter his courts;
bow down to the Lord, splendid in holiness.
Tremble before God, all the earth;
say among the nations: The Lord is king.
The world will surely stand fast, never to be moved.
God rules the peoples with fairness.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them.
Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice
before the Lord who comes,
who comes to govern the earth,
To govern the world with justice
and the peoples with faithfulness.
--Reflection
How can I open my heart in song and love for God?
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