The Sacred Practice of Paying Attention
Taylor Joy Murray
“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.” Psalm 107:43 (NIV)
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind …” Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:33 (CSB)
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2 (NIV)
Dear Jesus, I believe You see things I cannot see. So give me the courage to press into You even when I’m struggling to believe good can come from a situation I’m facing. I know You are always doing more behind the scenes, and I trust You with all my heart. Today, help me see all the beauty You’ve placed in my life even in unexpected and unlikely places. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 (ESV)
“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (CSB)
“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.” Psalm 107:43 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, poured out with love and power on Pentecost. Fill our hearts anew with Your presence, guiding us in truth, courage, and compassion...
“and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of Truth, to be with you forever.” John 14:16 (CJB)
“In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 (NIV)