Psalm 91:2 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 91:2 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."
Devotion
The Ignatian examination of conscience begins and ends in gratitude. The first sign of Israel's entry into Canaan was to be an offering of first fruits, a sign of gratitude. The Babylonian Talmud instructs the pious Jew to bless God 100 times each day. The prayer office of Matins begins with, “O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise." Compline, prayer at the close of day, ends with, “Let us bless the Lord; thanks be to God.” Gratitude provides a deep well to sustain us in dry desert times, days of wandering and uncertainty. When life leads us into the wilderness, gratitude reminds us that we have a shelter and refuge. How does our observance of the 40 days of Lent change when it is underlain with gratitude? What different cast does this discipline take when supported by a grateful heart?
Prayer
“Thou that hast giv’n so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart.”
—George Herbert, "Gratefulnesse"