Day by Day

“Day by day the Lord poured out His steadfast love upon me.” (Psalm 42:8)

Remember the popular song “Day by Day” from the 1971 Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak musical Godspell? The catchy phrase was as follows, “Day by day, day by day, Oh dear Lord three things I pray.” Oftentimes we like a song for the “beat” but what a rich learning moment we can experience when we tune into the words. So what were those three things the song challenged the listener to pray for? 1) To See Thee More Clearly: Pray for daily, renewed vision. To see clearly the God you serve amid all the distractions and distortions of this life. To truly see Him as the amazing God that He is. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18). 2) To Love Thee More Dearly: The greatest love you can express is love for the Father. We are to cherish the Lord, pondering in our heart the depth, and breath and glorious wonder of His unfathomable love. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30).3) To Follow Thee More Nearly: To follow means to trust the One leading you. When faced with danger and peril, a guide will often say “Stay close behind me,” as he leads the way. Your Heavenly Father is a Guide that you can trust. There is life, joy, and safety when you walk in His footsteps. “I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” (Proverbs 4:11). Trust in the One who leads you day by day. He renews your strength, day by day (Psalm 110:3). He gives you constant provisions, day by day. (Luke 11:3). He bears your burdens, day by day. (Psalm 68:20). And most importantly, remember to praise Him, day by day. (2 Chronicles 30:21).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I can face each day knowing that You are in it. All I will ever need I have in You. You renew me, lead me, provide for me and cherish me, day by day. I will praise you with all that I am because of all that You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen