Message of 2-20-09
Published: Sat, 02/14/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
If by doing some work which the undiscerning consider "not
spiritual work" I can best help others, and I inwardly rebel,
thinking it is the spiritual for which I crave, when in truth it is
the interest and exciting, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
... Amy Carmichael
(Beware the religious or spiritual ego trip! God is present in all
situations, and loving service in union with God is always possible.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Gn 11:1-9; Ps 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15; Mk 8:34-9:1
R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations;
he foils the designs of peoples.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down;
he sees all mankind.
From his fixed throne he beholds
all who dwell on the earth,
He who fashioned the heart of each,
he who knows all their works.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
It's possible to give God our money, but not ourselves, or to give
him lip-service, but not our hearts. A true disciple gladly gives
up all that he has in exchange for an unending life of joy and
happiness with God. God gives without measure. The joy he offers no
sadness or loss can diminish. The cross of Christ leads to victory
and freedom from sin and death. What is the cross which Jesus
Christ commands me to take up each day? When my will crosses with
his will, then his will must be done. Are you ready to lose all for
Jesus Christ in order to gain all with Jesus Christ?
"Lord Jesus Christ, I want to follow you as your disciple. I gladly
offer all that I have to you. Take and use my life as a pleasing
sacrifice of praise to your glory."
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Benedictine Approach)
1. Relax. Settle in. Be aware that God is here, now, loving you.
2. Read a short passage of Scripture as though God were speaking
directly to you in it.
3. Choose a phrase from the passage that strikes you and repeat it
slowly, prayerfully, non-analytically.
4. When your heart is full, express to God the needs and sentiments
awakened by your meditation. When you're done, read another passage
and repeat steps 3 and 4.
5. If, at any time, you feel moved to simply be present to God in
loving silence, put the Scripture aside and rest in God.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "The Practice of the Presence of God," by Brother Lawrence
I HAVE taken this opportunity to communicate to you the sentiments
of one of our society concerning the admirable effects and
continual assistances which he receives from the presence of GOD.
Let you and me both profit by them.
You must know, his continual care has been, for above forty years
past that he has spent in religion, to be always with GOD; and to
do nothing, say nothing, and think nothing which may displease Him;
and this without any other view than purely for the love of Him,
and because He deserves infinitely more.
He is now so accustomed to that Divine presence, that he receives
from it continual succours upon all occasions. For about thirty
years, his soul has been filled with joys so continual, and
sometimes so great, that he is forced to use means to moderate
them, and to hinder their appearing outwardly.
- Fourth letter to a correspondent in which he refers to himself in
the third person.
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