Lord God, show me the path of life and fullness of joy in your presence.

Exodus 11:10-12:14 & Psalm 116 & Matthew 12:1-8 
 
When the path of life was revealed to the people of Israel, it was necessary for them to be ready, to plan to take little with them, and to eat well for strength for the journey. It also necessitated that they readily leave their possessions and property behind. Unfortunately, joy is not always a feature of the path of life, as the continuous complaints of the wandering people of God attest.   Jesus, however, teaches that mercy, received and offered, is key to the fullness of joy in the Lord.  How can I receive mercy from God and offer it up to others along the path of my life?  Lord God, show me the path of life and fullness of joy in your presence.  
 
What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?  I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:12,13)
                                                                                                      
Soli ad gloriam dei