Daily Prayer: a resource of Forward Movement

The Forward Day by Day Meditation for February 13, 2021

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SATURDAY, February 13 Absalom Jones

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

The summer my daughter was eight, she participated in a dance workshop. The culminating performance featured children dancing to John Fogerty’s song, “Centerfield” (Put me in coach, I’m ready to play…) Children ran, slid, and leaped about the stage. As I watched, my heart expanded with pleasure, and tears of happiness ran down my cheeks. It was a perfect expression of joy in movement.

Decades later, samba dancing helped me through a difficult period. Every Sunday evening for two years, I drove to a warehouse/dance studio and joined other dancers in quick samba steps or slow Afro-Caribbean dance moves. Finally, we danced in four rows across the floor toward the smiling drummers. We responded with joy to their gift of rhythm, and they accepted our gift of dance. For those moments each week, my whole being exalted God.

MOVING FORWARD: Do a little happy dance today. Offer the joy to God.

PRAY for the Diocese of Northwest Ankole (Uganda)

Ps 87, 90 * 136 | Isaiah 61:10—62:5 | 2 Timothy 4:1-8 | Mark 10:46-52