DAILY DEVOTIONALS for JULY
Monday, July 7
- Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Reflection: This scripture offers a practical path to releasing our cares through the spiritual practice of prayer. We can transform anxiety into prayer, using gratitude as the bridge.
By bringing our concerns to God, and doing so with thankful hearts, we foster perspective and resilience. This doesn’t mean that we simply accept and tolerate challenges and troubles. Yet we seek ways to reframe them habits that promote positive outlooks and approaches to existing circumstances. We regularly find reasons to be thankful, in the midst of troubles. This gratitude practice creates more inner balance, and builds up our capacity to adjust and troubleshoot and adapt as needed. - Spiritual Practice Prompt: Start a gratitude practice. Each day, write down or state (aloud) three things about which you are thankful. Take a moment to thank God for these blessings. Let any prayer first name your cares and concerns, and then conclude with the list of gratitudes.
Song:
- “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley: https://youtu.be/LanCLS_hIo4?si=cEjxmNq1u5tQDabU
When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love… — Marcus Aurelius
July 7 Daily Devotional