in thanksgiving for God's army of women

God will arise. His enemies will be scattered. Those who hate him will flee from him. Blow them away like smoke. Let wicked people melt in God’s presence like wax next to a fire. But let righteous people rejoice. Let them celebrate in God’s presence. Let them overflow with joy. Sing to God; make music to praise his name. Make a highway for him to ride through the deserts. The LORD is his name. Celebrate in his presence. The God who is in his holy dwelling place is the father of the fatherless and the defender of widows. God places lonely people in families. He leads prisoners out of prison into productive lives, but rebellious people must live in an unproductive land. O God, when you went in front of your people, when you marched through the desert, the earth quaked and the sky poured in the presence of the God of Sinai, in the presence of the God of Israel. You watered the land with plenty of rain, O God. You refreshed it when your land was exhausted. Your flock settled there. Out of your goodness, O God, you provided for oppressed people. The Lord gives instructions. The women who announce the good news are a large army. Psalm 68:1-11

Rise up, O God, and lead your people. We, the women whom you have called, stand ready to follow. May those who oppose you melt before your coming like wax before a fire. We will work to make ready the path before you, God of Sinai, God of provision; we will go wherever you lead. With our families, with celebration and praise, in times of plenty and times of exhaustion, where there is rain and where there is thirst, we will listen for your instruction and we will follow.

For my son's seventh birthday

22-30 "Have you ever traveled to where snow is made, seen the vault where hail is stockpiled, The arsenals of hail and snow that I keep in readiness for times of trouble and battle and war? Can you find your way to where lightning is launched, or to the place from which the wind blows? Who do you suppose carves canyons for the downpours of rain, and charts the route of thunderstorms That bring water to unvisited fields, deserts no one ever lays eyes on, Drenching the useless wastelands so they're carpeted with wildflowers and grass? And who do you think is the father of rain and dew, the mother of ice and frost? You don't for a minute imagine these marvels of weather just happen, do you? (Job 38)

Almighty God, who carves canyons for the downpours of rain, and charts the route of thunderstorms that bring water to unvisited fields, drenching deserts so that they are carpeted with wildflowers and grass, I honor you not only as the father and mother of the rain, but the giver of life and all good things. With deep gratitude I remember the evening you brought me my third son, named for the rain of your blessings and the storm on that beautiful night. May each feast of his birth be a reminder to him, as it is to me, of all the gifts he has received from you. I don't know what lies ahead for him this year, but I know you hold his future in your hand, and you flood his life with your authority and love. May his ways be pleasing in your sight. May he hear your voice, know your touch, and see your glory in both of us, his parents, who cherish him so much.

outrageous praise and witness

When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through the Temple, "Hosanna to David's Son!" they were up in arms and took him to task. "Do you hear what these children are saying?" Jesus said, "Yes, I hear them. And haven't you read in God's Word, 'From the mouths of children and babies I'll furnish a place of praise'?" Matthew 21:15-16 (The Message)

Jesus, may my children respond with praise to the outrageous things you are doing. May they run and shout to believers that you are the son of God. May the community of faith you have brought us to never fail to recognize your outrageous work nor reject the joyful testimony of the children.

thanksgiving for discernment, careful thought

Holy One, thank you for giving my husband the gifts of discernment and for encouraging in him the practice of careful thinking. Complete every good work in him for your glory.