Rooted - Attentiveness
Maybe, you have had the experience of looking to buy a new car and after picking a particular make and model, seemingly seeing that car everywhere. It may feel like each time you pull up to a stoplight one of those cars are next to you and every time you get on the freeway the make you have been looking at fills every lane. While it may feel like there has been a sudden increase in the number of these vehicles on the road, the reality is your attentiveness to them has increased your awareness of their presence.
The same is true of God’s love and blessing. The more attentive we become to them, the more easily we recognize how abundantly present they are in our lives. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it seems appropriate to make space to focus our attentiveness on God’s goodness towards us. May this time in prayer allow you to recognize His ever-present love and blessing.
Meditation - Take a few moments to slowly read the following passage over several times. Let each reading help focus your heart and mind on the word or thought which stands out to you. Ask yourself: What might the Holy Spirit desire to speak to me from this passage? How does my heart react to what I have heard?
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. who made the great lights— His love endures forever. the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. - Psalm 136:1-12
Exploration - Take the balance of the hour to explore with God in prayer the following prompts. Do not rush. Allow the space necessary to listen for the still small voice of God. Do not feel like you have to complete every prompt. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to the places He would desire to explore with you. Talk to him about what you discover as you follow him into these places.
Where can you see God’s goodness in your life and the life of those you know?
While we have only meditated on a portion of Psalm 136, the entire chapter speaks of God power, creativity, rescue, guidance, provision, and protection. How have you experienced God’s activity and presence in your life in these ways?
How has God’s mighty hand and outstretched arm been evident in your life?
How have you experienced God’s enduring love?
What do you have to be thankful for?
If you find it difficult to be thankful, explore with God what in your circumstances, expectations, or patter of thought might be contributing to this reality.
Ending Your Time – Take a few moments to write out your own Psalm of praise. Use the same rhythm of Psalm 136. Begin with the opening phrase; Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Then insert a line which expresses something you are grateful for. Follow it with the declaration; His love endures forever. Repeat until you have been able to express to God all that you are grateful for. Close by reading you Psalm out loud and then simply sitting in silent gratitude.
