Years ago I remember sitting in a little Methodist church with my Sunday school teacher. In my memory she is a big presence and I am very small. I can hardly sit still because I am anxious to recite Psalm 23 and The Lord’s Prayer. My faith roots are developing and even though I do not know the Lord personally yet, these Scriptures are now hidden deep down in my heart.
Recently I heard about a spiritual giant who recited these same two passages of Scripture every morning very slowly. This wise practice oriented him to the new day and prepared him to receive what was to come with humility and grace. I latched on to the idea and I have found the same comfort in the unfolding kaleidoscope of my days. To keep myself accountable I placed a printed version next to my bed as a prompt. Each new day I am reminded that my faith has roots and wings!
MY MORNING PRAYERPsalm 231 The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:He leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul:He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me;Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my mine enemies;Thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Lord’s PrayerMatthew 6:9-139 Our Father which art in heaven,Hallowed be Thy name.10 Thy kingdom come.Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.Amen.