Daily Meditations
Faith is not the acceptance of centuries-old traditions but an attitude which grows from within. —Henri Nouwen
We need to learn about our traditions. The stories of those who have gone before us and struggled with the same questions are important. But that is not all we need. We have to take the next step and spend time with God to let Him infuse the soul. Time with God is critical to our growth and faith.
Intimate God, you are with us always. Help us to stop and just BE with you. AMEN
Lent is a time to take stock. A time to look inside ourselves. Each of us may find a different way to observe this time. Some will give up something that is meaningful to them such as sweets or something electronic. Others might take something on such as reading a spiritual book, being kinder, visiting someone you have neglected. Whatever you choose doing something makes the time meaningful and helps to make Easter a joyous occasion.
Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. —–G. K. Chesterton
We are told to love God with out whole heart or whole soul and our whole mind. We are not told to prove that God exists. We are just told to love Him. Can we let go of all our trying to understand all of this and just love?
God of love, help us learn to just love you with all that we are. AMEN
I don’t know if you have read about the life of Julian of Norwich. I have included the info from Wikipedia.
“Julian of Norwich (c. 8 November 1342 – c. 1416) was an English anchoress and an important Christian mystic and theologian. Her Revelations of Divine Love, written around 1395, is the first theological book in the English language known to have been written by a woman. Julian was also known as a spiritual authority …”
Her life was difficult but her faith enormous. As an anchoress she withdrew from secular life and is believed to have live in a sparse “cell.”
This is her most famous saying and I often lean on it when life seems fragile. Just repeat it over and over and said enough will help to bring peace.
We are so quick to make judgements. We can decide in one moment about a person and be completely wrong. Indian lore talks about walking a mile in someones shoes. Many times I have known someone for quite a while and had no idea of the tragedies in their life. We have to let go of judging. God knows the whole story and will judge. It’s not our job.
Loving God, you know how we put people into categories and make judgements. Help us to see others with compassion and love.
Here I am, Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord. If you need me. I will hold your people in my heart. Dan Schutte
I love this hymn. It is one of my favorites and always speaks to me. When I sing the words I can feel God calling me to do his will. Do you have a hymn or song that pulls you into the presence of God? If you do sing it often. Let the words open your heart to answer God’s call. He is calling you and me. Will we answer?
God you call us in many different ways. Help us to heed your voice and follow. AMEN
“People of faith do not gt much help in thinking of their ordinary, physical lives as being particularly sacred.” Barbara Brown Taylor
Do you think of yourself as being sacred? I don’t know that I ever have. The truth is we are! God created us in his own image. We are a part of the whole creation and every part of it is sacred. Each day of creation we hear the words “and it was good.” God was clear about that. Everything in creation is sacred including us. Now we just have to believe it and live it out.
God of creation, you made us in your image and said “it is good.” All that you created is sacred. Help us to live as sacred people.
“Holy” has the same root as “wholly”: it means complete. A man is not complete in spiritual stature if all his mind, heart, soul, strength are not given to God. R. J. H. Stewart
We seldom think about what we give to God. Are we willing to let go of our whole person to God? This quote doesn’t mention body but I think it is contained in “strength.” We have to surrender everything. How do we do that? By letting go of small pieces at a time. Give up what you can each day and every day.
We are so caught up in ourselves that we can’t step outside. In order to be holy and whole we have to give everything. Loving God help us.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
We can’t ever stop learning. God gave us our brains for a reason. By learning we grow. Don’t be afraid to study and learn new ideas and new thoughts. There is so much that we can learn and never grow close to knowing all about God. His wisdom is so far above ours.
Jesus, we learn so much from your teaching. Help us to continue to seek knowledge and growth that we may draw closer to you. AMEN
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Charles Dickens
Here is the core of Christmas. It is not just a special day in the year. It is not a holiday to give gifts. It is not about Santa Claus and reindeer. It is not about trees and lights.
Christmas is about the amazing love of God and his gift of his son. On Christmas day we have “God with us.”
Amazing God, we need to focus on the reason for this holiday. Christ must be the center of our thoughts. Help us to not forget. AMEN
Hear God in Other Voices 