Links for today’s readings:
Oct 2 Read: Ezekiel 2 Listen: (1:38) Read: Romans 5 Listen: (3:53)
Links for this weekend’s readings:
Oct 3 Read: Ezekiel 3 Listen: (4:41) Read: Romans 6 Listen: (3:28)
Oct 4 Read: Ezekiel 4 Listen: (2:56) Read: Romans 7 Listen: (4:09)
Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
John Tillman, TX — To kick off this year’s Readers’ Choice, I want to start with a personal favorite: the “Songs of Ascent Playlist” series. Usually Erin and I work independently on whatever scripture comes up on our particular day. However, when all fifteen of the psalms of ascent landed within the five days of one week, it felt like a providential opportunity to do something thematic. Yesterday, I reposted the first one, which introduced the series, and today, I’m reposting one of Erin’s devotionals from the series. I’ve also added links to the other four at the end.
This post was originally published on July 29, 2026, based on readings from Psalm 126:1-2, Psalm 127:1-2, and Psalm 128:1-2.
Scripture Focus: Psalm 126:1-2
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter.
Psalm 127:1-2
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Psalm 128:1-2
1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Joy Chose You — Readers’ Choice
By Erin Newton
These three psalms of ascent are mountain peak songs: the rescue is complete; the singer arises out of the valleys of despair and enjoys the glories of restoration.
Laughing and dreaming—the scene probably looks like Maria twirling and singing, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” It’s pure joy. It’s not only restoration of finances, but also of the soul.
Psalm 127 is the disclaimer amid the hill-frolicking joy. Restored fortunes, restored joy only lasts if it’s built by the Lord.
Finally, Psalm 128 returns to the restoration of blessings.
Restoration plus the Lord equals blessedness.
For those who were reading and singing these songs after the exile or during their routine visits and escapes from everyday duties, taking time for joy is spiritual discipline.
“Count your blessings” is said as a reproof for not being grateful. In other ways, it can be a good reminder to acknowledge the goodness of life here and now.
Donna Ashworth wrote a poem called “Joy Chose You,” which highlights the rarity of joy. Two lines help us here:
“Joy does not arrive with a fanfare
on a red carpet strewn
with the flowers of a perfect life…
… joy is supposed to slither through
the cracks of your imperfect life…”
Whenever someone compliments our kids’ behavior or our relationship, my husband and I exchange a calm and knowing smile. Through fire and by God’s grace—that is the only answer we can give them. Like the psalmists here, we have been rescued (this time at least and in this area) so we have been granted moments of restoration and now we worship.
Have you taken time to count your blessings? Do you stop for a moment to acknowledge where God has restored you?
Admittedly, there are still many broken pieces in my life. I am still praying for a way out, a helping hand, an ease to a burden, but so far those are still unanswered.
The songs of ascent remind us that life is not just one mountain to climb but a series of peaks and valleys. We are not on a linear path from rescue to worship; it’s an ebb and flow, an up and down, an ascent and descent.
But here, now, let joy slither into the cracks of your imperfect life. Donna Ashworth says “joy chose you,” and I believe that “our God of joy chose you.”
Songs of Ascent series:
- From War to Peace, by John Tillman
- From Badlands to Highlands, by John Tillman
- Joy Chose You, by Erin Newton
- Songs in the Dark, by John Tillman
- Unity Tour, by Erin Newton
Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Come now and see the works of God, how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people. — Psalm 66.4
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Songs in the Dark
In your “playlist” of prayers, you need songs that cry out, “How long, O Lord? Even if your back has never been plowed with furrows, others’ backs have been.
Readers’ Choice is Here!
There’s still room to include your favorite. Tell us about a post we should share again.
What posts helped you pray?
