Rejoice in the Lord Always

This meditation is based on a passage for April 20, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Philippians 4:1-13

Reflection and Question: Paul is winding up his letter to the church in Philippi with both individual personal notes and universal statements that continue to challenge and sustain the church to this very day. According to Paul, rejoicing in the Lord is the underpinning for a well-lived life. He confidently assures us that the God of peace will be with us and he refuses help from the Philippians, declaring, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This is my pale summary of Paul here. His own words are so inspiring — go read them! What prompts you to rejoice?

Prayer: Spirit of God, Paul commends to us all that is true, honorable, pure, pleasing, excellent and worthy of praise. Fix our minds and hearts on these things. Receive the requests that arise from our seeking these and give us Your peace. Amen.