Message of 5-16-08
Published: Wed, 05/07/08
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like
service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like
serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but it
screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and
recognition.
--Richard Foster
(What hidden service will you do this day?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Jas 2:14-24, 26; Ps. 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Mk 8:34-9:1
R. (see 1b) Blessed the one who greatly delights in the Lord's
commands.
Blessed the one who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house;
his generosity shall endure forever.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Mark 8: 34--9: 1 (The way of the cross)
Following the way of loving service will not always be easy, Jesus
promises. But those who persevere in love, even through times of
suffering, will become a new creation.
- What does the cross mean to you? How do you experience it in
your life?
- What does it mean to "lose your life" for the sake of the gospel?
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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
Brother Lawrence noted:
When outward business diverted him a little from the thought of
GOD, a
fresh remembrance coming from GOD invested his soul, and so
inflamed
and transported him that it was difficult for him to contain
himself.
That he was more united to GOD in his outward employments, than
when he
left them for devotion in retirement.
- Third Conversation
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