spaciousness, day 5

Come to Stillness:
Take a few minutes to allow your mind and heart to be still before God.

Opening Prayer:
Teach me, God to make room for you in all the events and affairs of my days. Then I shall find rest. Then I will be at peace with myself and with you. (Norman Shawchuck in A Guide To Prayer for All Who Seek God)

Psalm for the Week: Psalm 18:1-19

Scripture for the Day: John 8:31-37

Reading for Reflection:

As our lives and faith progress, the heart expands and with the sweetness of love we move down the paths of God’s commandments.  Never departing from His guidance…we patiently share in Christ’s passion, so we may eventually enter into the Kingdom of God.  (The Rule of St. Benedict)

     Our “dwelling place” may be physical—a room, apartment, or house.  It may also be a metaphor for mental and emotional [and spiritual] “space.”  We can invite others into our inner world of thoughts and feelings, sharing gifts of heart and mind.  Gracious inner space gives others room to play, question, and converse; room to be heard and understood; room to reveal themselves as they choose. (Soul Feast by Marjorie J. Thompson)

Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself

Song for the Week: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

            How deep the Father's love for us

            How vast beyond all measure

            That He would give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross

My guilt upon His shoulders

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

Closing Prayer:

O Lord, the house of my soul is too small for you to enter: make it more spacious by your coming.

                                                                             ~St. Augustine