Message of 10-23-09
Published: Thu, 10/15/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
For too long we have thought of the Christian life as essentially
either involvement in political, economic, social concerns that
wear us out and result in depression, or activity which keeps the
church intact and doctrinally pure. Our primary orientation cannot
be an institution or some great cause or even other people, but
first and forever to God. Unless our identity is hid in God we
will never know who we are or what we are to do. Our first act
must be prayer. To be human is to pray, to meditate both day and
night on the love and activity of God.
- John H. Westerhoff III and John D. Eusden, "The Spiritual Life"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Rom 7:18-25a ; Ps 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94; Lk 12:54-59
R. (68b) Lord, teach me your statutes.
Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commands I trust.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
Never will I forget your precepts,
for through them you give me life.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
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SCRIPTURE MEDITATION
- from
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
In the Gospel, Jesus contrasts his contemporaries' knowledge and
understanding of natural processes with their inability to
understand the importance of his presence among them. With all
their knowledge, they are still unable "to interpret the present
time." The present time is the time of his presence among them,
when he announces that God's Kingdom has come! It is also the time
when he is calling everyone to actively participate in establishing
the Kingdom on earth. He is calling everyone to action! Like Jesus'
contemporaries we are knowledgeable in many different areas: in
history, politics, psychology, gardening, philosophy, and so on.
Like them, we may also not realize the importance of the present
time, of the Kingdom of God that is growing among us, and of our
commitment to this Kingdom of justice.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "The Practice of the Presence of God," by Brother Lawrence
I AM in pain to see you suffer so long; what gives me some ease,
and sweetens the feeling I have of your griefs, is that they are
proofs of GODs love towards you: see them in that view, and you
will bear them more easily. As your case is, tis my opinion that
you should leave off human remedies, and resign yourself entirely
to the providence of GOD; perhaps He stays only for that
resignation and a perfect trust in Him to cure you. Since
notwithstanding all your cares, physic has hitherto proved
unsuccessful, and your malady still increases, it will not be
tempting GOD to abandon yourself in His hands, and expect all from
Him.
- 13th Letter - to one who is in great pain and who has not
responded to medical attention.
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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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