Awake, My Soul!

AWAKE, MY SOUL!

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!

I look to you for protection.

I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings

until the danger passes by.

I cry out to God Most High,

to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.

He will send help from heaven to rescue me,

disgracing those who hound me.

My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness. . . .

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens!

May your glory shine over all the earth.

My enemies have set a trap for me.

I am weary from distress.

They have dug a deep pit in my path,

but they themselves have fallen into it.

My heart is confident in you, O God;

my heart is confident.

No wonder I can sing your praises!

Wake up, my heart!

Wake up, O lyre and harp!

I will wake the dawn with my song.

I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.

I will sing your praises among the nations.

For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.

Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.

May your glory shine over all the earth.

Have you ever been reading a book and realized halfway down the page that you actually weren’t taking in anything? Your eyes were scanning the page, but your brain was not computing the words. We live our lives like this sometimes: We wake up, go through our daily routines and tasks, go to bed, and then wake up the next morning to do it all again. Every day can start to feel the same, and our duties and responsibilities seem never-ending. Our souls glaze over the beauty and uniqueness and wonder of life; they are asleep. How might our lives be shaped if we were to awaken our souls to noticing God’s love and light as it breaks into our world each day?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• Where do you most often experience God’s presence? Reflect on the last time you sensed his nearness. What did you feel? How did that experience affect you?
• What helps you notice God’s presence and fingerprints throughout your day (being in creation, slowing down, praying, being quiet, serving others, worshiping)? How can you incorporate these elements into your day more often?

Awaken my soul, Lord! Open my eyes to seeing all the beauty you put on display each day. Help me notice the sparks of your Kingdom, both in the midst of joy and in the midst of pain. Allow my soul to be awake to your presence and your whispers. Light in me a desire to participate with you as you bring your Kingdom to “earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Fill my heart with worship for you, and my mouth with thanksgiving for all you do and in all circumstances. Amen.