Category: Prayer

James 2:1-14: Balancing Difficulty and Joy
James 2:1-14: Balancing Difficulty and Joy

Saturday, October 8, 2022

We have spent a number of days with James and although we hear his message that when we live by the rule of love above all else we begin to see life through a different lens. We may have difficulty taking in the full impact of this message.

In order to maintain a balanced view, we must first value the obstacles we meet; and as we struggle with difficulties we must avoid solutions that lead to segregation and partiality. In order to experience life and even more life, we must insist on living in God’s garden of love and on resting in the great river of life that flows from Christ. In this way we begin to more fully understand God’s mercy and compassion for each of us.

As we rest in the Spirit, let us delight in and affirm God’s love that we find in ourselves and others, let us pray.

Dear Lord, it is so difficult to trust in you alone. The world can be such a frightening place that we too often forget that you constantly watch over and protect us. In our human survival reaction to all our fears we forget to rely on you alone. Guide us to see as you see. Move us with your deep compassion. Grace us with the gift of your love. Help us to free ourselves by freeing others. May we react to both the terrors and joys of life in humility, mercy and forgiveness. We ask this in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Tomorrow, faith and wisdom intertwined.

Image from: https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/rock-stacked-as-arch.html
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October 8, 2022

forgiveness, humilty, mercy
James 1:12-25: Delight and Affirmation
James 1:22-25: Delight and Affirmation

Monday, October 3, 2022

More wisdom from James . . . that he learns from Jesus.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

When we read Matthew 21:28-32 we better understand James’ eagerness that we become doers of the Word rather than sayers only. The young man who does God’s will after first rejecting God’s call drinks from the river of light that is God’s wisdom. The one who promises and goes away without doing what he is asked has condemned himself to a life void of wisdom.

But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

And so we pray.

Wise and loving God, you have given us all the counsel and advice we need. Help us to be humble and patient in your Word.

Passionate and transforming Jesus, you have shown us the Way that is God’s Word. Help us to delight in the life you have redeemed for us.

Compassionate and healing Spirit, you have affirmed our lives as sisters and brothers in Jesus. Help us to affirm others as they – and we – join with you in the doing of God’s Word. Amen.

In the coming days, James defines God’s Law of Love.

Image from: https://chatsworthconsulting.com/2011/06/09/how-do-you-walk-the-talk/
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October 3, 2022

acting, being doers of the Word, Matthew 21:28-32, wisdom
James 1:9-10: A Balanced View
James 1:9-10: A Balanced View

Thursday, September 29, 2022

James encourages a balanced view of the signs and symbols in our world. He reminds us that wealth, power and fame are fleeting. From THE MESSAGE edition of The Bible.

When down-and-outers get a break, cheer!

And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer!

Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it.

You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers.

Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem.

Well, that’s a picture of the “prosperous life.” At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.

And so we pray,

Steadfast and generous God, we are reminded that our plans are best when they are your plans. Help us through our trials. Speak clearly to us through our temptations. Remind us that we are sustained by you alone and that you share your heavenly perspective with us in the varied gifts you ask us to share. May we continue to return to you the fruit of our own lives as we struggle for balance in you. Amen.

Image from: https://www.travelportland.com/article/wildflower-viewing-in-greater-portland/
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September 29, 2022

gifts, God’s plans, prosperity
Luke 21:5-6: Destruction of the Temple
Luke 21:5-6: Destruction of the Temple

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Yesterday we reflected on the idea that Jesus replaces the Jerusalem Temple, and that Jesus invites us to be stones in this temple. He describes the coming destruction of this house where God abides; but although they have ears to hear, eyes to see and hearts to comprehend and live this message, the people do not understand what Jesus tells them.

Nor do we.

Each time we focus on our own needs and fears rather than placing faith in the Creator, we have ears but do not hear.

Each time we lust after our own outcomes rather than the hope delivered to us by the Redeemer, we have eyes but do not see.

Each time we sink into revenge rather than rise in petition for our persecutors, we have hearts but do not love.

Each time we gnash our teeth and pull out our hair about what we perceive as a stone in our path, we reject the nurturing care of the Holy Spirit.

From yesterday’s Noontime Reflection:

Do you not know that you are God’s temple?

Do you not know that God’s spirit lives in you?

You are not your own.

You were bought at a price.

You too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

And so we pray.

Good and great and wonderful God, guide us in understanding that we are a diverse people with diverse views and diverse voices coming together in your everlasting sacred heart. Help us to see that the new temple rises from the lessons learned in the destruction of the old. Walk with us as we go up to the New Jerusalem knowing that we are gifts to one another and to you, knowing that we are a collection of pearls purchased at a great price by Christ, believing that we are not our own, living in your Spirit of grace, and peace and joy. We ask this of you today and all days. Amen.

Image from: http://revivenations.org/blog/2013/06/13/david-man-after-gods-heart/

Adapted from a reflection written on September 11, 2008.
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September 25, 2022

God’s Spirit, New Jerusalem, sacred heart
Daniel 1: Wisdom and Prudence
Daniel 1: Wisdom and Prudence

Simon Vouet: Allegory of Prudence

Friday, September 23, 2022

In any question of wisdom or prudence which the king put to them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.

Just like the Chaldeans, we marvel at the wisdom and prudence coming from one who lives in God. These holy ones are able to bring light to darkness, reason to insanity, tranquility to the turbulent spirit. We might do well to imitate those who walk with God. These four men, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, are more free in their captivity than their captors are in their freedom for what they possess is a pearl of great price. They know that we are all children of God.

From MAGNIFICAT:

You chose the lowly of this world to bring salvation to all nations: grant your people the wisdom to seek your love rather than worldly honor.

You chose the faithful to bring forth the fruit of your promise: strengthen us in fidelity amid the uncertainties of our day.

You chose the unexpected to bring forth the gift of life: grant us freedom of spirit to rejoice in your work in every circumstance.

For those who are enslaved by poverty and oppression: send people of wisdom and generosity to discover ways to set them free.

For those who are enslaved by prejudice and fear: send people of courage and self-forgetfulness to keep them out of the darkness.

For those who are enslaved by addictions, recognized and unrecognized: send people enlightened by their own struggles to guide them along right paths.

If we are in the darkness yet see the light, we must take up Christ as our courage to move into that light, and we must try to bring our sisters and brothers with us. If we rise from our suffering, we must turn to others who suffer to likewise bring them out of the darkness and into God’s marvelous hands.

Image from: http://www.prudencetrue.com/january2010.html

Cameron, Peter John. “Prayer for the Morning.” MAGNIFICAT. 9.9 (2008). Print.

A reflection from September 9, 2008.
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September 23, 2022

Azariah, Daniel, freedom, Hananiah, Mishael, pearl of great price, prudence, wisdom
Colossians 4:1-6: The Apostolic Spirit
Colossians 4:1-6: The Apostolic Spirit

Thursday, September 22, 2022

If we are ever in doubt as to how we are to behave or how we are to act in any situation, today’s brief reflection tells us all we need to know . . . the Apostolic Spirit resides in our prayer and speech.

An apostle is watchful, thankful, perseveres in prayer and remains open to hearing the Word.

An apostle remains open to speaking this Word to others, and will also make the most of [every] opportunity to speak to outsiders.

Apostles live the mystery they are given. Apostles trust the creator in all circumstances. Apostles bring hope to hopeless situations. Apostles rebuke gently, love mercifully and always remain open to possibilities.

Apostles cannot carry this spirit in their hearts to hoard it for themselves. This spirit must be shared.

Apostles cannot remain silent when they are called speak.

Apostles cannot perform their mission alone; they must pray constantly and with others.

And so we pray:

God in heaven, God on earth, we know that we are your instruments for justice among your people. Speak to us today.

Joyful Christ, burdened Jesus, we know that you carry us up mountains and down on our journey. Pray for us today.

Holy Spirit, Loving Spirit, we know that you abide with always when we cry and when we laugh. Renew in us your Apostolic Spirit today.

May our lives enact the mercy and justice which we are shown. May we be the conveyors of Christ to the world. Amen.

Images from: https://www.idisciple.org/post/verse-of-the-day-colossians-4-2

A Favorite from September 15, 2008.
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September 22, 2022

apostles, break the silence, prayer, speech
Ezekiel 37: From Dry Bones to Restoration – Part V
Ezekiel 37: From Dry Bones to Restoration – Part V

Sunday, September 18, 2022

If we cannot believe in restoration after the desert, let us at least begin by asking God to strengthen our gift of faith. Just as a mariner trusts that the lighthouse will guide ships past rocky shores, let us trust the Gospel story of Jesus. The writer of the letter to Hebrews shows us the way. From Hebrews 11.

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

If we do not have confidence, let us ask God for this gift of sureness.

By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

If we do not have understanding, let us ask God for the gift of wisdom.

It was by this faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.

If we do not have fidelity, let us ask God for the gift of certainty.

And even when Abraham reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith – for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise.

If we do not see or believe in God’s promise in our lives, let us ask God for the gift of hope.

For Abraham was looking for a city with eternal foundations, a city whose architect and builder was God.

If we do not feel or comprehend God’s power in our lives, let us ask God for the gift of fortitude. And let us pray.

Good and loving God, your fidelity lives in us although we may not perceive it. Being your creatures we are made of love for love; yet we might not believe this. Breathe new life into those who are discouraged or unbelieving. Bring new strength to those who falter. And shower us with your hope and encouragement so that we might come to fully know, and feel and understand that your only wish for us is our restoration in and for you. We ask this in Jesus’ name, in unity with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tomorrow, laying a foundation for restoration . . .

Images from: http://walkbyfaithkkw2011.blogspot.com/2012/05/contentment.html and https://www.pinterest.com/totogale/new-testament-hebrews/
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September 18, 2022

Abraham, encouragement, fidelity, fortitude, foundation, guiding light, Hebrews 11, hope, promise, strength, wisdom
Mark 1:14-34: The Beginning
Mark 1:14-34: The Beginning

Abbot Handerson Thayer: Mary, Jesus and John the Baptist

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

We have spent a number of days reflecting on the Gospel of Mark and today we remember the struggle of darkness and light that Jesus endures as he brings freedom, light and the good news to the faithful. Today we see how Jesus began.

We are accustomed to associating the words in the beginning with the opening words of Genesis of the soaring Gospel of John; today we see it and hear it in connection with the shortest and possibly the most powerful of the Gospels. Mark recounts that Jesus began his ministry when John the Baptizer was executed, when he saw that God’s plan was ready for the Good News, when he knew that fulfillment of God’s promise was at hand . . . through him.

In Luke’s Gospel we are told of how the people attending a service where Jesus proclaims God’s promise fulfilled in himself rose up, drove him out of town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed away through the midst of them and went away. Luke 4:29-30

Many of us may have decided that the world is too crazy and too volatile to try to bring the message of hope to cranky and churlish people; yet these Gospels both record that after Jesus escaped this ugly mob, he went out among the people and immediately cured a “demoniac” in Capernaum. He then healed Simon’s mother and finally . . . at sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. (Luke 4:40) When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at his door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove our many demons, not permitting them to speak because he knew them. (Mark 1:32-34)

We today are grateful that Jesus does not give up in the beginning when he was rejected by the rabble.

And so we pray . . .

We today are grateful that God never turns away from us when we have gone astray.

We today are grateful that the Spirit always resides in us to bring comfort as we confront our hectic days.

We today are grateful that Jesus is constantly beside us to rescue us from the coming whirlwind.

We today are grateful that from the beginning there is a plan, and that this plan is good and solid . . . even though we cannot fully comprehend its height, and breadth and depth.

We today are grateful that from the beginning there is a plan, and that this plan is authentic and beautiful . . . even though we cannot fully comprehend its present, past or future.

We today are grateful that from the beginning there is a plan, and that this plan is, and was and always will be . . . one which turns all harm to good, all darkness to light, all anger to peace, all deception to fidelity, all fear to trust, and all hatred to love . . . if we only allow it.

Amen.

A favorite from September 11, 2010.

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/john-the-baptist/
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September 7, 2022

darkness versus light, God turns harm to good, gratitude, Luke 4
Mark 14:27-31: Finding Holiness in Shaken Faith
Mark 14:27-31: Finding Holiness in Shaken Faith

Friday, September 2, 2022

All of you will have your faith shaken. Jesus makes this pronouncement not long before his own resolve is tested in the Gethsemane Garden. He warns his followers that they will abandon him but even though they do, he will still return to bring them back to the fold. We see the work of a good and watchful shepherd.

None of us is exempt from uncertainty or doubt. All of us experience times of dryness and bleak landscapes. Jesus goes before us everywhere, even though we may often feel that we walk alone. Jesus prepares a way for us, even though we might think the road is blocked with obstacles. Jesus comes to gather us, even though we believe that we are not worth collecting, or we do not need saving. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, must bring us to his home because he is not capable of forgetting or abandoning his little ones.

When we feel the pressure of our days, we may want to think about this reflection from today’s MAGNIFICAT Meditation by St. Paul of the Cross: [God] knows how to console us when we least expect it. If anyone hurts you, turn on him as something of great value and, with the eyes of one who loves, see him as the person chosen by God to clothe you in holiness and in the patience, silence, and meekness of Jesus Christ. If you can learn to see God’s will as a source of strength, taking every difficulty you go through as something that comes not just from circumstances but from the loving hand of God your creator, you will soon be speeding along the short road to holiness. The troubles we have in life, if we see them as part of God’s loving plan and accept them as being what he wants for us, will actually help us to grow in knowledge and love of him. Even when things are at their worst, keep your peace of heart and accept whatever God sends you as being for your good. God is your guide, your father, your teacher, your husband. In everything that happens the best thing you can do is abandon yourself to his will.

And so we pray: Good and gracious God, keep us ever mindful that the times when we feel furthest from you are when we are closet. Remind us that when we are most harried, we are also most loved. Tell us again that when we are most in pain, we are most comforted.

Let us act as Jesus does when the time of persecution comes; he does not seek revenge but builds bridges instead.

Let us act as Jesus does when the time of pain arrives; he does not curse the darkness but turns to the Father for strength.

Let us act as Jesus does when the time of abandonment happens; he does not rebuke the followers who leave him but turns to them in love.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cameron, Peter John. “Meditation of the Day.” MAGNIFICAT. 20.10 (2010). Print.

Image from: https://www.logos.com/grow/what-does-the-word-faith-mean-in-hebrews-11/

Adapted from a reflection written on October 20, 2010.
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September 2, 2022

doubt, Good Shepherd, St. Paul of the Cross