Today is July 23.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from Psalm 61.         From the ends of the earth I call to you,           I call as my heart grows faint;           lead me to the rock that is higher than I.        For you have been my refuge,           a strong tower against the foe.         I long to dwell in your tent forever           and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.        For you, God, have heard my vows;           you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.         Increase the days of the king’s life,           his years for many generations.        May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;           appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.         Then I will ever sing in praise of your name           and fulfill my vows day after day.   I’m struck today how often the psalmist refers to himself as ‘growing faint’. He writes about eyes that are weak with sorrow, a soul that yearns, a heart that is dismayed. The psalmist here models a wonderful sort of strength that is a combination of emotional vulnerability, humility, and resilience and persistence. As we begin our time of prayer, could you take a few moments now and, in vulnerability, bring yourself before the Lord?     Do you struggle to share negative emotions with the Lord in prayer? Do you often come to God feeling like you’ve got to put a happy face on? As you listen to the psalm again, consider his constant impulse to share his thoughts and feelings – good and bad – with God.     That line strikes me: “For you, God, have heard my vows.” Could you take a few moments and ask God if there is something that he wants from you, something he wants you to give your word to in your life? Some act of sacrifice, or obedience? Maybe something you’ve already made a commitment to that is not yet fulfilled? As we close our time of prayer, could you again affirm your word to the Lord and trust in his grace to enable you to fulfill it?Music: Invitation Fountain - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

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