the song, tuesday

Tuesday, February 3

Come to Stillness: Take a few minutes to allow your mind and heart to be still before God.

          

Opening Prayer: O Lord, as we spend time with you and your Word this day, let us hear the words of your Ancient Song; and let us listen closely for the Song of God that rises in our hearts.  In Christ.  Amen.

                                                    

Scripture Reading for the Day: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Reading for Reflection:

 

     One day a friend of mine was walking through a shopping mall with his two-year-old son.  The child was in a particularly cantankerous mood, fussing and fuming.  The frustrated father tried everything to quiet his son, but nothing seemed to help.  The child simply would not obey.  Then, under some special inspiration, the father scooped up his son and, holding him close to his chest, began signing an impromptu love song.  None of the words rhymed.  He sang off key.  And yet, as best he could, this father began sharing his heart.  “I love you,” he sang.  “I’m so glad you’re my boy.  You make me happy.  I like the way you laugh.”  On they went from one store to the next.  Quietly the father continued singing off key and making up words that did not rhyme.  The child relaxed and became still, listening to this strange and wonderful song.  Finally, they finished shopping and went to the car.  As the father opened the door and prepared to buckle his son into his carseat, the child lifted his head and said simply, “Sing it to me again, Daddy!  Sing it to me again!”

     Prayer is a little like that.  With simplicity of heart we allow ourselves to be gathered up into the arms of the Father and let him sing his love song over us. (Prayer by Richard J. Foster)

Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself    

                      

Closing Prayer: O Lord, my God, sing your song of love over me this day and let it completely capture my heart and transform my life.  Quiet me with your holy love and rejoice over me with singing; that I may rejoice over you—in return—every second of this day.  Amen.