For the coolness of this morning . . . I give you thanks, O God.

For the stillness of this place . . . I give you praise.

For the song of the birds punching holes in the silence that surrounds me . . . I thank you for the reminder your care for even the tiniest of creatures, and for me.

For the hearts of those I love filled with grief, uncertainty, and pain . . . I pray for your presence, direction, and healing.

For the bounty of tasks on my plate this week . . . I pray for strength, and joy.

And for us all . . . I pray for encouragement from your Word, O God . . .

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together . . . O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed are the ones who take refuge in the LORD. Psalm 34:1-3, 8

The LORD is my shepherd . . . He leads me beside still waters . . . He restores my soul . . . Psalm 23:1-3

How precious are your thoughts to me, O God . . . If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand . . . Psalm 139:17-18

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction . . . 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

O God, You are my God; I shall seek you earnestly; my soul thirsts for you, my flesh yearns for you. In a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Yet) I have beheld you in the sanctuary, seen your power and your glory. (Known) your lovingkindness (which) is better than life . . . (so) my lips will praise you, bless you, as long as I live . . . For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me . . . Psalm 63:1-4, 7-8

The LORD is the Sustainer of my soul. Psalm 54:4

You will make known to me the path of life; in your presence, O LORD, is fulness of joy; In your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13