By Andrew Fox of Clay Cross, Derbyshire, England

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

My personal music collection contains songs by thousands of different artists, but it is the music of Nick Drake that I love more than any other. Nick Drake made only three albums during his lifetime. None of them sold very well. As a result, Nick became depressed and died while still in his early twenties. Evidence suggests that he took his own life.

Today, almost 50 years after he made them, the albums of Nick Drake are considered by many to contain some of the greatest songs ever recorded. Many of today’s most popular recording artists cite Nick Drake as a major influence on their music. What a shame so few people recognized his talents while he was still alive.

There are so many people in the world blessed with wonderful, God-given talents who consider themselves to be of little worth. In many cases this is because no one has ever told them how much they appreciate the gifts they have been blessed with.

The Enduring Principle Worth of All Persons calls us to seek out the gifts evident in each one of God’s children and let them know what a blessing they are. What a joy it can be when you say to someone, “I love the way you dance,” or “I love the way you help others,” and your words of encouragement are met with a beaming smile.

In one of his songs Nick Drake sings, “I was made to love magic.” Today, seek out someone who may be feeling unloved and let them know of the magic you see in them.

Prayer Phrase

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Romans 13:9).

Spiritual Practice

Healing for Broken Spirits

Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.