From Psalm 63:1-7

O God, you are my God, I watch for you from the dawn.

My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you.

I came to your sanctuary,

as one in a parched and waterless land,

so that I could see your might and your glory.

My lips will praise you, for your mercy is better than life itself.

Thus I will bless you throughout my life,

and raise my hands in prayer to your name;

my soul will be filled as if by rich food,

and my mouth will sing your praises and rejoice.

I will remember you as I lie in bed,

I will think of you in the morning,

for you have been my helper,

and I will take joy in the protection of your wings.

My soul clings to you; your right hand raises me up.

Christ calls out to us to make Him the sustenance of our lives. In a world parched by hate, greed, fear and indifference, Christ is our sanctuary of Love, mercy, strength and courage.

If we truly follow Christ, our bodies and souls, our very being, should ache for these graces in His presence, more than our bodies would ache for food and water in a “parched and waterless land.”

Lord Christ, from the time we rise in the morning, through all of our day, let us sing Your praises through all we do, til we rest in the protection of Your wings. Amen.