Monday, March 30th, 2020
Spiritual Focus of the Day
by Keli Shipley Cooper
Montreat, NC // View from Lookout Mountain // Taken by Keli
Two weeks ago, I saw that the church I grew up in was hosting their first online Bible study. I quickly clicked the Zoom link and many familiar faces greeted me- an exciting part of technology in these times. After some brief catching up, we began our study of the Scripture for the day: Psalm 46 .

Charlie mentions this psalm in his "ChurchAway" response t o COVID-19. You may think of the hymn " A Mighty Fortress is Our God ." We are even discussing this text in our online Psalms Bible study with Charlie this Wednesday. Psalm 46 is fitting for times like these- times when we may need a God who "is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

I invite you to read through Psalm 46 below.

Take three breaths when you read "Selah."

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.  Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
    see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10  “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.”
11  The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah

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What stands out to you today?

Do any verses bring you comfort?

Do any verses make you uncomfortable?

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Perhaps you recognize verse 10:

"Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10a)

When I feel stressed, I take three deep breaths and pray this verse. I invite you to pray this prayer today.

Deep breath in... "Be still"
Hold... "and know"
Deep breath out... "that I am God." 

Deep breath in... "Be still"
Hold... "and know"
Deep breath out... "that I am God." 

Deep breath in... "Be still"
Hold... "and know"
Deep breath out... "that I am God." 


Amen.
My name is  Keli Shipley Cooper   and I am the Minister for Faith Formation at St. Paul's. I am grateful to share stories, readings, Scripture, and practices with you all. In this time of physical distancing, we still join together through prayer and technology as we continue to be the church from at least six feet apart. 

We are glad that you are here.

I f you would like to respond to or discuss any piece of this devotion,
reply directly to this e-mail to connect with Keli Shipley Cooper.
To receive the "Spiritual Focus of the Day" e-mail each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday- click the subscribe button and choose the "Spiritual Focus of the Day" list.

Reminder of Online Opportunities

Check our website under the ChurchAway page for more information- this is where we will post the links to the online gatherings on the day of the study.

  • Morning Prayer on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
  • Evening Prayer on Monday through Friday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
  • Spiritual Focus of the Day coordinated by Keli
  • An e-mail devotion sent every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
  • These will also be posted on our Facebook page
  • Psalms Study with Charlie on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 1st / Scripture for this week: Psalm 46
  • Lectionary-Based Gospel Study with Rainey on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 2nd / Scripture for this week: Matthew 26:14-27:66