With Praise

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, …for the Mighty One has done great things for me – Holy is His Name.” – (Luke 1:46-47, 49, NIV)

Then Mary said, “I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Savior… Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His Name is very holy.” – (Luke 1:46-47,49, ERV)

Mary: My soul lifts up the Lord! My spirit celebrates God, my Liberator! For the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is God’s Name! – (Luke 1:46-47,49, VOICE)

A teenage girl, more than 2,000 years ago, sang these words in celebration of being chosen to bear the Savior of the world. Not only did she recognize who God is, but she also celebrated all that He has done. This is the space that I need to soak in for a while. The challenge of the last few weeks has been exhausting, yet God has been with me. He is near, and He grants me tangible reminders of who He is and how He loves. As we finish out our final school day of 2022, I want to stand in a sweet space of gratitude, for God has been good through it all. May we ever praise the Lord because He is our Savior, and give Him thanks for all that He has done and continues to do.

Lord, help me to stand,

In a grateful space;

May thankfulness reign,

As I think of Your grace.

God, You’re always good,

Even through hard times;

Ever You show us,

Your mercy and grace.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

To give You all praise;

No matter what comes,

You’re faithful always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good. Thank You for who You are and how You love and bless us all. Forgive us for the times that we have forgotten the countless blessings You have poured out upon us, or how generously You love. Teach us to ever praise You for who You are and how You love, and to count our blessings on a daily basis, for You alone deserve our praise. Lead us to love those around us like You do. Help us to show goodness, kindness, and love in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize the power of who You are and the goodness found in Your incredible love. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Give Thanks

Give thanks to the Lord,

and call on His Name;

make known to the world,

the truth to proclaim.

Sing unto the Lord,

all praise unto Him;

tell of His great deeds,

share love from within.

Holy is His Name,

in glory, rejoice;

let all seeking hearts,

give honor with voice.

Look to our Father,

in all of His might;

seek His face always,

be led by His light.

He’s true to His word,

His love never fails;

He’s faithful and just,

Him who bore our nails.

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His Name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His Holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” – (Psalm 105:1-4)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, we find You – as we seek You with our whole heart. Thank You that You choose to reveal Yourself to us so that we might come to know and live for You. Thank You for Your great love that fills us, holds us, protects us and heals us, so that we might come to know You more. Forgive us for losing sight of Your unfailing love, and help us to hold onto Your truth and share of the glory that is in You alone. Lead us to love well, so that in all we say and in all that we do, people may hear the glory of Your Name, and how worthy You are of our praise. Show us how to be light as You are light, so that even in times of trial, Your light may shine brightly through us. May many come to know Your saving grace as they choose to earnestly seek Your face. All glory and honor to You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present