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Lenten Devotional: March 18, 2024

by Laterika (Terri) Feliz Jelks, Assistant Preschool Director of St. Pete First Preschool Ministry


Seek God First


Scripture: Psalm 27:4: “The one thing I ask of the Lord, the thing I seek most is to live in the house of the Lord all of the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His temple.”


We can discover our worth through meditating on God’s love. God’s protection, guidance, and empowerment come from us first seeking Him in prayer. Each prayer plants the seeds of the miracles of our lives.


We can nurture our souls and honor God with the first fruits of our day for His glory and our soul’s sustenance. This act opens our hearts and minds to let the light of love shine right on in. Prayer and communion with God are the gifts that keep on giving.


When we seek God first in the morning, we renew our faith with vitality for a fresh and new day. We receive spiritual nourishment and guidance when we commit to prayer for the highest and greatest good of all. The sacred moments we spend with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ assures we are ready to face our day with love, hope, compassion, confidence, strength, and grace. We can walk with reverence knowing we are rooted in divine communion.


The book of Psalms is one of my favorites in the morning because of the many meditations, songs, and prayers by David that resonate with my soul. David is a role model for us all, especially when facing the day-to-day challenges of life. When we think of David, a poor shepherd boy, appointed king of Israel, all because of God’s glory, we see he endured a life full of trials that made him stronger. We are also blessed to hear of his triumphs by the grace of God. He is an example meant to instill hope in us and that shows us the power of communing with our Lord often for solid direction and spiritual nourishment. Again, not only for God’s glory, but greatly for our benefit as well.


In Psalm 5:3 David declares, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests to you and wait expectantly.”


May we lean on God’s promises, just as David did, and trust the peace of the Most High that surpasses all understanding.


Reflection: How can we keep God first in our day-to-day lives and not allow Him to be lost in the shuffle?


Affirmation: I will seek God first, for His love brings gentleness and freedom to this world, and I am so grateful for His promises.


Meditation: How can we behold the great radiance that is God’s love and extend that blessing to those we encounter in our daily lives?


Prayer:

Lord, our gracious and loving Father, we come to you seeking to begin each day in your presence. Thank you for this day and for every soul that is in your presence, here and now. We are grateful to lay the foundation of our day upon your word in prayer. I ask that you would order our steps and direct our path today and forevermore. Fill us with your wisdom. Fill us with your light. Fill us with your love.


Merciful Father, we thank you for your love, everlasting hope, freedom, and peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for resting your favor and blessings upon us as we walk through this day. We ask that you guide and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us up so that we may live our lives in a way that glorifies you. May we be vessels of your love and grace to others. I am grateful for every heart opening in your presence, here and now, Lord. I thank you for your fresh mercy every morning and the gift of reflecting your light all around us every day. Your kingdom comes and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.


Thank you, Lord, for hearing and answering our prayers. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.


May your heart be blessed and your spirit uplifted. I will leave you with an additional Bible verse that I find simple yet potent with great wisdom: “In all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). Bright blessings on blessings to you and all that you love. May the grace, love, and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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