Learning to trust is one of life’s most difficult tasks.

―Isaac Watts

Scripture: Psalm 89.1

I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

Reflection: Rhythms
The Park Forum

Research shows it takes 90 minutes for the average Londoner to transition from bed to walking out the door each morning. The average resident of Shanghai invests just 9 minutes grooming for the day, while two thirds of Parisian women apply makeup and perfume each day.

On the other hand, only fifty six percent of New Yorkers shower each day (rush hour subway, anyone?). For those who do, showering and grooming averages 30 minutes each morning.

Few people practice ideal morning rhythms. Looking at New Yorkers alone, 59% say it’s important to exercise in the morning—just 16% do. For those with children, 77% say morning playtime is important—only 21% engage in it.

The number one place for New Yorkers to self-reflect is the shower (let’s face it, it’s the only place we’re consistently alone), but stress, problem solving, and scheduling too easily consume reflection time. If we’re honest it’s far too easy to invest a disproportionate amount of time in the morning focusing only on ourselves.

Psalm 89 records a simple and beautiful longing to “sing of the steadfast love of the Lord”—a plea echoed in the prayer of Psalm 90; “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love.” The Psalmists longed for a joy that would be present in the good and bad of life. They knew this kind of transcendent joy could be found in one source alone: satisfaction in the love of God—every morning.

Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection on the character and nature of God each morning is time well invested. Daily rhythms rooted in Christ move us beyond ourselves opening up time to pray for people who may not have anyone else praying for them, and centering our lives on the only source that delivers what we need most

Prayer: The Request for Presence

I call with my whole heart; answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes. Hear my voice, O Lord, according to your loving-kindness; according to your judgments, give me life. —Psalm 119.145ff

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Full prayer available online and in print.

Today’s Readings
Deuteronomy 6 (Listen – 3:13)
Psalm 89 (Listen – 5:29)

This Weekend’s Readings
Deuteronomy 7 (Listen – 4:13) Psalm 90 (Listen – 2:03)
Deuteronomy 8 (Listen – 2:58) Psalm 91 (Listen – 1:39)