I have often heard the phrase, "God is as near as your every breath." What does that mean for you? How often do you notice your breathing throughout the day? When it's so quiet, that it's the only sound you hear... or when it's more pronounced like when you are exercising (on purpose or when you are trying to hurry). I would invite you today to be more aware of your every breath, and when you do remember that God is near to you. Use the familiar scripture with maybe some unfamiliar phrasing from Psalm 23 in The Message to help you breathe and pray today.

As we continue to navigate being away from each other and still wanting to stay connected, we are continuing to look for ways to help you connect with your church family. Would you like to connect with a small group? Many are meeting online through Zoom video chat and others are connecting through phone and email. Would you like to find someone to pray with and for during this time? Are you looking for a way to do Bible study or have a daily devotion to read? Look to the left side bar of this message under Quick Links, you will find several easy to access devotionals to use during this time. Please contact me (allisons@jcpcusa.org) to connect, pray and travel this journey together. 

Prayer for Today

This is a reminder that God's spirit abides in each of us. 
God, my shepherd! (breathe in)
I don't need a thing (breathe out)
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, (breathe in)
you find me quiet pools to drink from. (breathe out)
True to your word, (breathe in)
you let me catch my breath (breathe out)
and send me in the right direction. (breathe in)
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley, (breathe out)
I'm not afraid (breathe in)
when you walk at my side. (breathe out)
Your trusty shepherd's crook (breathe in)
makes me feel secure. (breathe out)
You serve me a six-course dinner (breathe in)
right in front of my enemies. (breathe out)
You revive my drooping head; (breathe in)
my cup brims with blessing. (breathe out)
Your beauty and love chase after me (breathe in)
every day of my life. (breathe out)
I'm back home in the house of God (breathe in)
for the rest of my life. (breathe out)
Amen.