PauseNear the cross! O lamb of God, Bring its scenes before me; Help me walk from day to day With its shadow o’er me.

In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever, Till my ransomed soul shall find. Rest beyond the river. Fanny Crosby in “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” (1869)

ListenAs Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. They said,

“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”

Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”

He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.” – Luke 19:37-40

ThinkWe have a lot to be grateful for. And our scriptures tell us that everything we have is a gift from God. As Jesus made his way into Jerusalem, the people lining the streets could see him and give thanks to God for all of the ways that Jesus had shown and taught them about who God is.

While this angered the Pharisees, Jesus told them that the crowd’s shouts were not something he could or would stop. God is so good and faithful to all of creation, that even if people weren’t gathered to shout God’s praises, creation would figure out a way to do it.

This week, consider ways that you can express your gratitude for all God has done in your life. Who are the people in your life that love you and remind you of God? What in your life do you have to be thankful for on a daily basis? What are the big things you can be grateful for? Take a moment to say those things out loud and thank God. – Courtney Jones Willis

PrayDear God, I have so much to be thankful for.

Help me remember to name those things specifically and out loud.

Thank you for your goodness and faithfulness in my life.

Amen.

GoNear the cross! I’ll watch and wait, Hoping, trusting ever; Till I reach the golden strand, Just beyond the river.

In the cross, in the cross Be my glory ever, Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river. – Fanny Crosby in “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” (1869)

Writer – Courtney Jones Willis is Associate Pastor of Faith Formation & Congregational Life at First Episcopal Church. She is married to Stephen and has one son, Berkley. As a family, they enjoy traveling and experiencing other cultures. They love the outdoors and finding adventure together.