Shout With Joy

I was reminded today to look at who God is in wonder and awe. The Psalms are filled with David’s hymns of praise for who God is and calling for shouts of joy to the Lord, giving thanks to Him. God created us and gives us all we have. So today, I’m moved to praise Him and I’d encourage you to make your own prayer of praise.

Father God, I shout with joy in praise of you today. I enter your gates with thanksgiving and go into your courts with praise.

For all of my family. You are creator – I thank you for our existence. You are love – I thank you for the love between us. You are the crafter of hearts and minds – thank you for your care of restoring us into your children who you created us to be. You are peace – thank you for the unity and peace amongst us. You are provider – Thank you for the food, health, and safety you provide to us when we need it.

For my friends. You answer prayers – I thank you that when I asked you for faithful, good friends you far exceeded my hopes. You are joy – thank you for laughter and joy I experience with my friends. You restore our dignity – thank you for friends and family who remind me of the dignity I have in you. You care about the details of my life – thank you for friends and family who love and support me in the day to day, and to whom I can do the same.

For our church and school community. You are holy – I thank you that we have a place to worship you freely, and that we have access to learn about you in the Bible and through other believers. You are our teacher – I thank you that you bring my family together with other believers to inspire us, teach us, guide us toward you. You are merciful, you call us your children, and strengthen us – thank you for the gifts of Baptism, the Eucharist, and Reconciliation – they are intimate, powerful encounters with you. You remind us that we are not alone – thank you for community love, encouragement, and support.

Help us see you in the ordinary, Father. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.