Many years ago, I developed a puzzling illness that physicians suspected was potentially fatal. A lengthy, anxious round of testing ultimately revealed the disease was manageable and not life-threatening. I was so enormously relieved and grateful that I vowed to include in my prayers each day, “This is the day that you have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.”

There are mornings when I wake up centered and filled with hope, the day offering promise and connection. On other days, I feel desolate, reluctant to face what lies ahead, and praying this psalm is challenging. There are all sorts of days in between these extremes, and over the years, I have prayed this verse so many times I am not always even aware of praying it. But I have, and I commit to continuing.

God has given us this day, a day we might not have had. Such as we are, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

MOVING FORWARD: Try saying these words every day as you awaken or pray: “This is the day that you have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”