Psalm 18:30–36
In this psalm, David recounted all the great things God had done for him. His gratitude overflowed into a litany of praise. God had been his Rock, fortress, shield, and Savior.
He had given David protection from enemies, answers to his prayers, and strength to endure. He had steadied his feet, straightened his path, and lightened his darkness.
It’s no secret that David was far from perfect. He messed up and sinned in pretty major ways, but he also strove to remain obedient and faithful with God as his refuge and strength. Through sickness and attacks, distress and discouragement, David kept turning his attention to God, remembering the ways God loved and delighted in him. This act of recounting God’s mercy and goodness helped David recognize God’s faithfulness and remain on His path.
This act of remembering, of turning and returning our thoughts to all the excellent ways of God, remains a valuable practice for us today, helping us notice how God is working and moving in our lives, and giving us courage to keep trusting in His faithful love to keep walking in His perfect way.
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Silence Begin with a time of silence.
Still your body... Slow your breathing... Quiet your mind.
Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now. |
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Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now. |
Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now. |
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Opening Prayer All-sufficient Lord,
As the light of dawn breaks through the darkness, may the light of Your love break through my doubts and fears, revealing a landscape of grace, every shadow in the shade of Your presence. I invite You to speak to me, to search my heart and shape my life. Show me what is excellent. Open my eyes to see You.
Open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my heart to receive Your Word. Open my hands to accept whatever You give. Draw close to me, Lord, as I draw close to You. Amen. |
Read & Meditate
Read through the Bible passage three times, taking time to pause and pray and quietly listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart.
God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; He strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; Your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping. — Psalm 18:30–36 |
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Excerpted with permission from Present in Prayer by Jennifer Tucker, copyright Jennifer Tucker.
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Today, let’s remember, turn, and return our thoughts to all the excellent ways of God! No matter how many sins and messes we make, let’s strive to remain obedient and faithful with God as our refuge and strength! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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NEW from Jennifer Tucker, Author of Breath as Prayer |
NEW from Jennifer Tucker, Author of Breath as Prayer |
Present in Prayer: A Guided Invitation to Peace Through Biblical Meditation |
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+ FREE bonus gifts with purchase! |
Do you notice that even when your body is not moving, your mind is racing? Anxiety, to-do lists, and the spiral of negative thought patterns often keep us from the stillness we long for. In Present in Prayer, award-winning author Jennifer Tucker invites you to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through God's Word and renew your mind through the practice of Christian meditation. With a beautiful foil-accented cover and full-color original illustrations throughout, Present in Prayer is an ideal gift for: -
Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or overwhelming thoughts
- Those who want to establish a more regular prayer practice
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You're not in a hurry. You're on a journey. Cultivate a more purposeful and peaceful prayer life and greater intimacy with God as you focus your thoughts on His Word. |
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FREE bonus gifts: receive a Lectio Divina reference and reflection guide, mindfulness exercises, scripture meditation cards, bookmarks and artwork-- delivered to your email after purchase from FaithGateway! |
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As in her first book, Breath as Prayer, Tucker shares a powerful prayer practice in this beautifully illustrated book that is deep yet accessible. Each of the 30 meditations offers: -
A gentle call to silence, an opening prayer, and a thoughtful reflection on a Bible verse
- Guided meditation on Scripture using the centuries-old practice of lectio divina—a framework of Christian meditation that helps you slow down and linger on God’s Word
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A prayer of surrender and prompts for how to live out the truths God is speaking to you
- Inspired art to draw you into each meditation as you consider what is lovely, true, excellent, and worthy of praise
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More about Present in Prayer |
As in her first book, Breath as Prayer, Tucker shares a powerful prayer practice in this beautifully illustrated book that is deep yet accessible. Each of the 30 meditations offers: -
A gentle call to silence, an opening prayer, and a thoughtful reflection on a Bible verse
- Guided meditation on Scripture using the centuries-old practice of lectio divina—a framework of Christian meditation that helps you slow down and linger on God’s Word
-
A prayer of surrender and prompts for how to live out the truths God is speaking to you
- Inspired art to draw you into each meditation as you consider what is lovely, true, excellent, and worthy of praise
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Discover the Peaceful Practice of Biblical Meditation |
When was the last time you slowed down and sat in silence?
Most of us have a hard time being still. We’re always busy, moving, and doing. Even if our bodies aren’t moving, our minds are always going, always working, always thinking. We don’t often allow ourselves to sit alone in the quiet with our thoughts. Some of us even go out of our way to avoid it. Just the thought of being alone with our thoughts can be a rather unsettling proposition. We’ve lost the art of being still, of living slow.
We can’t keep waiting for someday to come. Today is the day to start slowing down and making time to do the inner work that really matters—the soul-deep work of spiritual formation and soul care, the anchoring work of growing deep roots. Today is the day to take time to be still, to let God in, and to linger long in His presence. |
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+ Don't miss Breath as Prayer |
Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul |
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More from Jennifer Tucker |
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New Mercies I See: An Inspirational Coloring Book to Reduce Anxiety and Grow Your Faith |
| Morning Has Broken: An Inspirational Coloring Book Celebrating God's Creation |
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The Marvel and Miracle of Advent Online Bible Study |
The Marvel and Miracle of Advent Online Bible Study |
Advent isn't just about waiting... let's get ready for Christmas with a fresh sense of anticipation!
You're invited to The Marvel and Miracle of Advent Online Bible Study! Join this short 4-week study and get access to 4 study videos with Christine and Lisa and other Advent resources - all free when you sign up! |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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