Forward Reading & Reflection: Saturday May 10, 2025 — Giving Thanks for God’s Help – Joy Comes in the Morning

Psalm 30

Exaltabo te, Domine
BCP p. 621
I will exalt you, O Lord,
because you have lifted me up *

 

and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
Lord my God, I cried out to you, *

 

and you restored me to health.
You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *

 

you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; *

 

give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *

 

his favor for a lifetime.
Weeping may spend the night, *

 

but joy comes in the morning.
While I felt secure, I said,
“I shall never be disturbed. *

 

You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.”
Then you hid your face, *

and I was filled with fear.

I cried to you, O Lord; *
I pleaded with the Lord, saying,

“What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *

 

Will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *

 

Lord, be my helper.”
You have turned my wailing into dancing; *

 

You have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
Therefore, my heart sings to you without ceasing; *

 

Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. 
– Book of Common Prayer – page 621

Pray Without Ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17

Psalm 32

Beati quorum
BCP p. 624
Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *

and whose sin is put away!

Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, *

and in whose spirit there is no guile!

While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *
because of my groaning all day long.
For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *
my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *
and did not conceal my guilt.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” *
Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; *
when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
You are my hiding-place;
You preserve me from trouble; *
You surround me with shouts of deliverance.

[Teach Me to Pray]

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *
I will guide you with my eye.
Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *
who must be fitted with bit and bridle,
or else they will not stay near you.”

God’s Mercy

Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *
but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord.
Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; *
Shout for joy, all who are true of heart.
– Book of Common Prayer – page 62

Psalm 121:1

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
from whence comes my help.

Peace, I Ask of Thee, O, River
Campfire Song

Peace, I Ask of Thee, O, River:
Peace, Peace, Peace.

When I learn to live serenely,
Cares will cease.

From the hills, I gather courage
Visions of the days to be.

Strength to lead and faith to follow,
All are given unto me.

Peace, I Ask of Thee, O, River:
Peace, Peace, Peace.

Morning Has Broken – Jacki Kellum Acrylic Painting Study

This piece says very much about me. I am always struggling to evoke the light. Morning breaks again and again for me. Regardless of the darkness in between, “Joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5


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