Advent Devotional November 28, 2022

Scripture

Psalm 67

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known upon earth,
    your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you.

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you.

6 The earth has yielded its increase;
    God, our God, has blessed us.
7 May God continue to bless us;
    let all the ends of the earth revere him.

Devotional

The Rev. Michele Ellison, DMin student

Praising God has an emotionally and spiritually uplifting quality that can alter one’s mood and perspective.

It is not just a matter of giving thanks for perceived blessings, but praising God for being God, no matter what our circumstances. We praise God in the midst of the sunshine and the rain. Whether there is drought or flood, God is present with us in spirit, as well as through other people.

We praise the Lord for God’s presence among us—moving around and through us, bringing us shalom. In this Advent season, we praise and thank God for the sending of Jesus the Christ. We praise God for forgiving our sins, and the grace that abounds toward us. We praise God for the grace we experience daily, and our communion with God through the work of the Holy Spirit. Such a gracious God moves throughout the universe.

Prayer

O Lord God, we praise you. We glorify you. There is none like you. We thank you for being with us. May you be praised through the earth. I lift up my hands, sing and dance before you. Praise you, O Lord. Thank you for your love. Amen.

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