God of all days, may the peace and blessing of Your presence make this a day of growth and service for this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
The Psalmist said this in the 22nd Psalm: 23 Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers; give glory, you sons of Jacob; adore him, you daughters of Israel. 24 He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening. 25 Here in this great gathering for worship I have discovered this praise-life. And I'll do what I promised right here in front of the God-worshipers. 26 Down-and-outers sit at God's table and eat their fill. Everyone on the hunt for God is here, praising him. "Live it up, from head to toe. Don't ever quit!" 27 From the four corners of the earth people are coming to their senses, are running back to God. Long-lost families are falling on their faces before him. 28 God has taken charge; from now on he has the last word. 29 All the power-mongers are before him - worshiping! All the poor and powerless, too - worshiping! Along with those who never got it together - worshiping! 30 Our children and their children will get in on this As the word is passed along from parent to child. 31 Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news - that God does what he says. (The Message)
There's quite a list of those who should be worshiping God and don't. For those who do, the invitation is still there; "Shout Hallelujah, give glory!" Here's that list: The kicked down. The down and out. The God-hunters (Seekers). Long-long families. People from all corners of the world. Power-mongers. The poor and the powerless. Those who never got it together. Our children and their children. And even "Babies not yet conceived." All will hear the gospel, "That God does what he says."
What an awesome message for our Lenten Journey. As we pray for ourselves this Psalm reminds us to pray for others. In today's Upper Room, one grandmother confessed she only prayed for her grandchildren when there was a need. On their first day of school, Grandma decided she would pray for them that they have a dedicated teacher, great new friends and classmates, etc. When she finally got around to praying she remembered that her grandkids were in China, 14 hours ahead of her time zone. Her grandkids had already had their first day of school and were now asleep. Thanks, grandma! She decided she needed to be a person of prayer, all the time. So, pray all the time and pray for others. Pray that those who are listed above may hear God's call back into the fold! Let all the world come close to that Hallelujah moment when all will praise and worship the Lord God!
PRAYER: Lord, may we pray always for others and their needs. May our prayer include a worldwide response on the part of those who have not yet heard to come back to you! I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
