Today's Grace
I ask for the grace of being surprised with the ever expansive and intimate intricacies of God's created world.
Scripture/Reading
Reading via the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website:
Psalms 104: 1-6; 10-18; 24; 30-35
Bless the LORD, my soul!
LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
You are clothed with majesty and splendor,
robed in light as with a cloak.
You spread out the heavens like a tent;
setting the beams of your chambers upon the waters.
You make the clouds your chariot;
traveling on the wings of the wind.
You make the winds your messengers;
flaming fire, your ministers.
Psalms 104: 1-6; 10-18; 24; 30-35
Bless the LORD, my soul! LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
You are clothed with majesty and splendor,
robed in light as with a cloak.
You spread out the heavens like a tent;
setting the beams of your chambers upon the waters.
You make the clouds your chariot;
traveling on the wings of the wind.
You make the winds your messengers;
flaming fire, your ministers.
You fixed the earth on its foundation,
so it can never be shaken.
The deeps covered it like a garment;
above the mountains stood the waters.
so it can never be shaken.
The deeps covered it like a garment;
above the mountains stood the waters.
You made springs flow in wadies
that wind among the mountains.
They give drink to every beast of the field;
here wild asses quench their thirst.
Beside them the birds of heaven nest;
among the branches they sing.
You water the mountains from your chambers;
from the fruit of your labor the earth abounds.
You make the grass grow for the cattle
and plants for people's work
to bring forth food from the earth,
wine to gladden their hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread to sustain the human heart.
The trees of the LORD drink their fill,
the cedars of Lebanon, which you planted.
There the birds build their nests;
the stork in the junipers, its home.
The high mountains are for wild goats;
the rocky cliffs, a refuge for badgers.
How varied are your works, LORD!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
that wind among the mountains.
They give drink to every beast of the field;
here wild asses quench their thirst.
Beside them the birds of heaven nest;
among the branches they sing.
You water the mountains from your chambers;
from the fruit of your labor the earth abounds.
You make the grass grow for the cattle
and plants for people's work
to bring forth food from the earth,
wine to gladden their hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread to sustain the human heart.
The trees of the LORD drink their fill,
the cedars of Lebanon, which you planted.
There the birds build their nests;
the stork in the junipers, its home.
The high mountains are for wild goats;
the rocky cliffs, a refuge for badgers.
How varied are your works, LORD!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
Send forth your spirit, they are created
and you renew the face of the earth.
and you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD be glad in his works!
Who looks at the earth and it trembles,
touches the mountains and they smoke!
I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him;
I will rejoice in the LORD.
May sinners vanish from the earth,
and the wicked be no more.
Bless the LORD, my soul!
may the LORD be glad in his works!
Who looks at the earth and it trembles,
touches the mountains and they smoke!
I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him;
I will rejoice in the LORD.
May sinners vanish from the earth,
and the wicked be no more.
Bless the LORD, my soul!
Reflection Questions
Consider taking a slow walk outside and use your senses to experience the beauty and creativity of God, as one way that God is loving you.
- What is it in God's creation that surprises you? Or do you feel too worn out to be surprised? I talk with God about this.
- How does God the Creator, who cares for the tiniest seed to the entire cosmos, enter into your prayer?
