Message of 8-14-09
Published: Sat, 07/25/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
I do not pretend to understand the ways of God any more than the
next man; but it is surely more fitting as well as more sensible
for us to study what God does do and what He does not do as He
works in and through the complex fabric of this disintegrated
world, than to postulate what we think God ought to do and then
feel demoralized and bitterly disappointed because He fails to
fulfill what we expect of Him.
... J. B. Phillips, "Making Men Whole"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Josh 24:1-13; Ps. 136:1-9, 23-26; Matt 19:3-12
1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love
endures for ever.
2 O give thanks to the God of Gods, for his steadfast love endures
for ever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love
endures for ever;
4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love
endures for ever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast
love endures for ever;
6 to him who spread out the earth upon the waters, for his
steadfast love endures for ever;
7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures
for ever;
8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures for
ever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love
endures for steadfast love endures for ever; arm, for his heritage
to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures for ever.
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast
love endures for ever;
24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures for
ever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures
for ever.
26 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love
endures for ever.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://dailyscripture.net/
Both marriage and the single life are calls from God to live a
consecrated life, that is to live as married couples or as singles
who belong not to themselves but to God. Our lives are not our own,
but they belong to God. He gives the grace and power to those who
seek to follow in his way of holiness in their state of life. Do
you seek Christ and his grace for your state of life?
"Lord Jesus Christ, your call to holiness extends to all in every
state of life. Sanctify our lives - as married couples and as
singles - that we may live as men and women who are consecrated to
you. Make us leaven in a society that disdains life-long marriage
fidelity, chastity, and living single for the Lord."
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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
Pray remember what I have recommended to you, which is, to think
often on GOD, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your
diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not
alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone, who came to
visit you: why then must GOD be neglected? Do not then forget Him,
but think on Him often, adore Him continually, live and die with
Him; this is the glorious employment of a Christian; in a word,
this is our profession, if we do not know it we must learn it. I
will endeavour to help you with my prayers, and am yours in our
LORD.
- 10th letter, to a friend who has suffered a loss.
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