Peaceful Praise

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. – (Philippians 4:6, ERV)

Don’t be anxious about things, instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. – (Philippians 4:6, VOICE)

Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day, as mom was transported from the hospital to a skilled nursing center in her own retirement community. Though there was some nervousness on her part, the kindness of God was made evident through the people who were part of the process. From her nursing staff to the transport driver, and every person who interacted with us at her recovery place, it is very clear that God hears our prayers and is faithful to meet our needs. We are so grateful that there was space available for mom in her own community, as it is located minutes from where my sister and brother-in-law work and live. The mission of the skilled nursing place is to treat everyone with kindness and dignity, and clearly, they are committed to do so. It will be a process to heal and rebuild strength, but God is faithful to supply what is needed each day and has shown Himself faithful over and over again. May we ever seek the Lord in prayer to ask for what we need and give Him thanks for who He is and how He continually shows us His faithful love.

Lord, we are thankful,

For all You have done;

In love, You provide,

All grace through Your Son.

You meet us each day,

With love that is new;

You grant us the strength,

For what we’re to do.

You provide Your peace,

That settles our hearts;

And comfort chaos,

Show us where to start. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You settle our hearts and bring us the peace and strength we need to navigate all things. Thank You that You hear our prayers and supply all of our needs. Forgive us for our anxiousness as we encounter new challenges. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times. Lead us to love those around us as You do, so that Your loving faithfulness is made evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and praise You for the peace, grace, and faithful love that You provide each day we draw breath. Amen.

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

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

The Gifts of Strength and Peace

^{The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NIV)}

^{May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)}

^{God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)}

^{This morning I am holding onto this promise, as mom needs strength and peace as she navigates the healing road ahead. Today, mom will be able to take the next step on the road to recovery as she will be transferred to a skilled nursing facility to rehabilitate before she moves back to her own apartment. Incredibly, she was able to get into the one at her own retirement community and will be back to a place that is mere minutes from my sister and brother-in-law’s home and workplace. I anticipate being closer to family and friends will be a great encouragement too. God has made mom one of the strongest humans I know. He provides her peace when it does not make sense, and the power to persevere. I am eagerly awaiting the morning to further unfold so that we can go and see mom for ourselves. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and peace, for He is faithful to provide all that we need as we ask.}

^{Strength is assurance,}

^{That comes from the Lord;}

^{Paired with perfect peace,}

^{To help move forward.}

^{Whatever our need,}

^{The Lord will supply;}

^{His grace overwhelms,}

^{As love’s His reply.}

^{He meets us anew,}

^{As each day begins;}

^{Floods us with His good,}

^{And cleanses from sin.}

^{Father, we seek You,}

^{And trust in Your love;}

^{Be our strength and peace,}

^{Our Lord God above.}

^{Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source of strength and peace, and that You provide what we need as it is needed. Forgive us for our faltering faith when trials come our way. Teach us to ever trust in You. Show us how to love those around us as You do and lead us to strengthen and bring peace to each person with whom we interact. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for providing Your strength and peace to all who seek Your face. Amen.}

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

Her ways are pleasant and all her paths are peace. – Proverbs 3:17

How to Pray

He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come. Give us each ay our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” – (Luke 11:2-4, NIV)

Jesus said to the followers, “This is how you should pray: ‘Father, we pray that Your Name will always be kept holy. We pray that Your kingdom will come. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive our sins, just as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And don’t let us be tempted.” – (Luke 11:2-4, ERV)

So He said, “When you pray, say, Father, reveal who You are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with You and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.” – (Luke 11:2-4, MSG)

Prayer is often a space where people feel stuck or lost. Jesus knew the struggle that people had and provided a basic framework so that we would know how to get started. First, there is an acknowledgement of who God is – He is holy, and we need to know and understand more and more of who He is and how He loves. Second, we are to ask Him to supply the things that we need. We must ask to be forgiven and extend forgiveness to others. For as we forgive, is the same way in which we will be forgiven. Lastly, we need protection from temptation – both within ourselves and beyond. God is faithful to meet us as we seek Him. He hears every prayer – both those spoken aloud and those which we whisper within our own heart and mind. May we ever seek the Lord in prayer and pursue the path which He has placed before us with purpose.

Most Holy Father,

Unto You we pray;

For as we seek You,

You show us Your way.

In love, You provide,

All things that we need;

For body and soul,

With kindness You lead.

Forgive us our sins,

Where we have lacked love;

Help us forgive too,

Let good rise above.

For all that You are,

And all that You do;

Help us to give thanks,

All praise unto You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not need nor expect eloquent prayers, but rather You want us to be real with You and give You our gratitude and trust for who You are and how You love. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to pray and for the times that we only come to You with our laundry list of needs. Teach us to have a heart for prayer, as prayer is our heartfelt conversations with You. Show us how to love and pray for others. May many come into a lasting and prayer-filled relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray to You with grateful hearts that trust You in all things. Amen.

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

I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 17:6

Commanded Courage

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

“Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, ERV)

“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

God commanded Joshua to be strong and brave in the face of adversity. The same God who spoke to Joshua to remind him who he is with God, is present to remind us of the very same. Because of Jesus, we not only have God’s words and His presence, but we have His Spirit living in us. We are promised that greater is He who is in us than that which is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Once we realize that God is with us every step that we take, we have no reason to be afraid. May we face each new day with strength and courage, for the God of all goes before us, remains with us, and is beside us, every step that we take.

We are commanded,

To be brave and strong;

Not in our power,

But through God alone.

For He is our strength,

And ever He’s near;

Our Great Provider,

In Him there’s no fear.

Power to press on,

No matter what comes;

Hope, grace, and His help,

Father, Spirit, Son.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only call and command us to not be afraid, but You provide Your presence and strength throughout all our days. Forgive us for our fears and doubts that creep in when we cannot see how you are moving on our behalf. Teach us to trust in You through all things, for You already know the outcome. Show us how to love those around us best. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust and rely on You to supply all that we need in the face of adversity. Amen.

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

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

Where Strength is Supplied

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – (Psalm 105:4, NIV)

Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to Him for help. – (Psalm 105:4, ERV)

Seek the Eternal and His power; look to His face constantly. – (Psalm 105:4, VOICE)

God is faithful to supply what we need for each new day. This time of year, strength feels like it is in short supply, yet each time I call on the Lord I discover again, His provision. As we press on, anticipating spring break, the mornings begin to illuminate earlier and earlier, and the daylight lasts a bit longer into the evenings. There is something about the glimmers of extra light that strengthen and encourage. His faithfulness is as certain as the rising sun, and we can seek Him constantly, knowing that He sees and hears all that we need. May we begin the morning anew, depending on Him to be our strength, and go forth in the help that He faithfully supplies.

May we look to God,

Our strength and our hope;

The light of the world,

True to all He’s spoke.

His heart is for us,

His grace shall supply;

All that we’re needing,

To more than get by.

Remind us anew,

As each day begins;

That You are the strength,

Provided within.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can seek You to be our Source and Supply in all things and at all times. Thank You that You are present to help each time we call upon You. Forgive us for the times that we have tried to navigate on our own, or have attempted to muscle our way through things on our own. Teach us to turn to You in trust, for we can always depend on You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that strengthen and encourage spaces in need. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength, and continue to come before You to be our help. Amen.

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

You are my strength, I sing praise to You; You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely, – Psalm 59:17

Approach Boldly

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. – (Hebrews 4:16, HCSB)

With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it. – (Hebrews 4:16, ERV)

So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most. – (Hebrews 4:16, VOICE)

Because Jesus came and took all of our sin and shortcomings upon Himself, we are able to stand before God to ask for His mercy and grace when we need it. We need not fear that God will grow weary of our asking, for He sent Jesus because He knows our desperate need. This morning, as I am weary and ready for rest this weekend, I know that He will supply the strength and endurance I need to get through today. May we ever approach the throne of grace with boldness, for God welcomes us into His presence and provides what we need as we come before Him.

With mercy and grace,

Is how we are met;

By God, our Father,

Who erased our debt.

The sins of the past,

He’s wiped them away;

And gives us His grace,

To love well each day.

May we keep seeking,

The Lord God above;

Who grants us mercy,

And fills us with love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to make the way for us to come before You with confidence. Confidence in knowing that we will be heard and helped and held. Forgive us for the times that we have not come before You in our need, for You instruct and remind us to come unto You. Teach us to bring all our burdens before You, for You flood us with Your mercy and love and give us the grace we need to keep moving forward in the direction to which we have been called. Show us how to love those around us well, so that Your goodness, mercy and love are made evident through all that we say and do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we boldly come before Your throne, grateful for Your goodness and grace that made the way for us to know and depend on You. Amen.

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

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

You Steady Me

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong and do not fear; Your God will come…” – (Isaiah 35:3-4a, NIV)

Make the weak arms strong again. Strengthen the weak knees. People are afraid and confused. Say to them, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid!” Look, your God will come…” – (Isaiah 35:3-4a, ERV)

Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. Tell fearful souls, “Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on His way to put things right and redress all wrongs. He’s on His way! He’ll save you!” – (Isaiah 35:3-4, MSG)

Yesterday, in the practice of simply being still to listen, the words, “I will steady you,” kept echoing in my heart. When the winds blow and the waves rock the boat in treacherous seas, He who can simply speak the words, “Be still,” will steady what’s rocking in me. God is the anchor that holds us secure, and the One who will steady us when our world feels shaken. He is faithful to strengthen us in spaces where strength is gone, and His presence chases away fear. The Lord is the one who comes and makes things right, even when it feels that there is no way. May we ever seek the Lord to steady us and supply the strength that we need, for He is faithful to meet us anew each day.

The Lord is faithful,

The anchor within;

He’s steady and strong,

And He brings calm in.

When storms surround us,

We can rest assured;

He is our anchor,

That keeps us secure.

Secure in His love,

Covered by His grace;

Built up in His strength,

As we seek His face.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You steady us when storms surround us, and You are the anchor that keeps us secure. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations when the storms of life seem to surround us. Teach us to trust in You to be our help and our hope, for You are our Rock in whom we can find shelter and peace, even in the midst of great storms. Show us how to love those around us in ways that share Your steadiness and security, so that peace permeates every place it is lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to steady us through every storm, and to be our strength throughout each new day. Amen.

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

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure… – Hebrews 6:19a

Showered With Grace

Lord, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in times of trouble. – (Isaiah 33:2, HCSB)

Lord, be kind to us. We have waited for Your help. Give us strength every morning. Save us when we are in trouble. – (Isaiah 33:2, ERV)

We’ve been waiting for You, Eternal One, to come and shower us with grace. In the morning, be our strength; in times of trouble, be what saves us. – (Isaiah 33:2, VOICE)

As we wait on the Lord, He meets us with His grace. Each new morning that we seek Him, He is faithful to arm us with strength. When troubles come, God is our help and our hope that saves us. This is a great reminder that we need not worry about tomorrow; instead, we ought to seek, trust and listen to the Lord, as He is faithful to ready and equip us for what each new day shall hold. Sundays are a perfect time to place this into practice. I love that a good chunk of my morning includes time with my church family, as we gather to worship, listen and grow. However, each Sunday evening brings the reminder that the following morning will be the start of a new week. At that point, I feel ill-equipped to take on all that lies ahead, yet God is faithful to meet me each new morning, and provides what is needed to navigate the day. It requires His strength, for on my own, I am not equipped to do all that is asked of me. With God, somehow what is needed is present as I keep walking forward. May we ever wait on the Lord to continue to shower us with His grace, and seek Him anew every morning, for it is in this space that He supplies strength and reminds us that He will be present to help, no matter what lies ahead.

O Lord, we seek You,

Your mercy and grace;

Faithful forever,

In all of Your ways.

You arm us with strength,

You are our supply;

Grace overwhelming,

Peace we can’t deny.

When troubles do come,

Ever You are near;

Giving what’s needed,

To overcome fear.

O God, we praise You,

For all that You are;

Our help, hope and grace,

Who never is far.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are gracious and kind, and ever near to help us anew every morning. Thank You that You strengthen us to persevere when trials come, and equip us and keep us safe in Your care. Forgive us for our anxiousness about what lies ahead, for You are faithful to be present each time we ask. Teach us to ever seek You in all that we do. Show us how to love those around us with Your grace and kindness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to strengthen and equip us with Your goodness and grace so that we continue to become who You have created us to be. Amen.

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

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34

How Harmony Happens

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus. – (Romans 15:5, HCSB)

All patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other, as Christ Jesus wants. – (Romans 15:5, ERV)

I pray that our God, who calls you and gives you perseverance and encouragement, will join all of you together to share one mind according to Jesus the Anointed. – (Romans 15:5, VOICE)

I don’t know about you, but endurance, encouragement, perseverance and patience are all necessary for me to navigate each new day. Each morning, I am encouraged and strengthened anew as I invest the start of my day with God. He is the source of each of these, and is faithful to supply what is needed. Harmony with those around me is always a goal, for there is wisdom and grace and goodness in those whom God places in our lives. Not only that, but this is what Jesus wants for us. Agreeing with one another does not mean that we must see eye-to-eye on every detail in our lives, but rather that we be like-minded on what truly matters. Loving God and loving people ought to be our priority. If we are alike in our care and concern for others, harmony happens. May we ever seek the Lord to be our source of endurance, encouragement, perseverance, patience and peace, as we pursue Him to lead us well.

The Lord is faithful,

To meet us each day;

He gives what we need,

For work and for play.

He shows us His heart,

For those who are near;

And calls us to love,

And set aside fear.

Strength and endurance,

Patience and His peace;

All that is needed,

For love’s sweet release.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You are faithful to supply all that we need. Thank You that as we do, You show us the strength in the community that surrounds us, and how to live in harmony together. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You or have not sought to love. Teach us to trust and rely on You to be our strength and supply. Show us how to love those around us best, for You know the needs in every heart. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue the path that You have placed before us and the peace that surrounds us as we do. Amen.

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

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. – Psalm 133:1

Shifting Seasons

Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God, because He gives you the autumn rain for your vindication. He sends showers for you, both autumn and spring rain as before. – (Joel 2:23, HCSB)

So be happy, people of Zion. Be joyful in the Lord your God. He is good and will give you rain. He will send the early rains and late rains as before. – (Joel 2:23, ERV)

People of Zion, shout with joy and happiness in the Eternal, your God; the drought is over; He has sent the early autumn rain as a sign of His faithfulness. He has poured down heavy rain, autumn and spring, as before. – (Joel 2:23, VOICE)

Living in the Pacific Northwest, these words resonate with me. Right now, we are enjoying a typically extended summer. Though summer did not begin until after the 4th of July, it usually continues until the close of September. That being said, the chill of fall is in the air in the mornings. For those of us who love summer, there is a bit of mourning as the seasons shift. This passage is a great reminder that the rain that though it will come, for it always does, is a gift from God. Seldom has our area had issues with water shortage. The rains that come truly are a gift, for they are what keep our area so green throughout the year. My takeaway is simply to recognize and appreciate the shift in seasons as a gift, for it is a reminder that God is faithful.

As autumn rains come,

For they always do;

Know that God’s faithful,

As His grace shines through.

The rains have purpose,

Blessings from above;

In season, water,

That shows us His love.

The lush of the green,

Ev’rywhere surrounds;

Reminders of God,

Where true hope is found.

So, let us give thanks,

As the seasons shift;

For God’s faithfulness,

As our praise we lift.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to supply what we need in every season. Thank You that You grant us rain in the fall and springtime to help things grow and thrive. Help us to remember that You do the same for our hearts as we seek You. Forgive us for begrudgingly trudging through seasonal shifts, for we would not fully appreciate the glory of summer without the gray, rainy days. Teach us to love those around us in ways that bring refreshment and new life. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your faithful provision in each new season. Amen.

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

He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. – Psalm 104:19