wholeness, day 1

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

Opening Prayer:
Gracious and loving God, you know the deep inner patterns of my life that keep me from being totally yours.  You know the misformed structures of my being that hold me in bondage to something less than your high purpose for my life.  You also know my reluctance to let you have your way with me in these areas.  Hear the deeper cry of my heart for wholeness and by your grace enable me to be open to your transforming presence.  Lord, have mercy. (Invitation to a Journey by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.)

Psalm for the Week: Psalm 122

Scripture for the Day: Mark 5:24-34

Reading for Reflection: 

Few words in all of the Old Testament are as rich as the Hebrew word shalom.  As a matter of fact, the translations of this one little word are varied and numerous—trying in vain to capture the fullness of the idea it is meant to communicate.  The most common translation we have for the word is peace, but that does not seem to go far enough.  Therefore, it is also translated prosperity, tranquility, well-being, safety, and security.  Maybe the best word we have in the English language, however, that even comes close to capturing the true essence of shalom is the word wholeness.  Because at its core shalom is about experiencing the creation intent of God.  Shalom is life as God intended it to be—life before sin and brokenness.  Shalom is finding our way back into the garden where we were created to enjoy and experience God in His fullness as we “walk with Him in the cool of the day.”  It is what our souls are really and truly longing for—deep communion and connection and intimacy with our God.

                                                                 ~Jim Branch

                                                                 September 2006

Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself

Song for the Week: We Fall Down

 

We fall down

We lay our crowns

At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of His mercy and love

At the feet of Jesus

 

We cry Holy, Holy, Holy

We cry Holy, Holy, Holy

We cry Holy, Holy, Holy

           Is the Lamb

Closing Prayer:
My God, I wish to give myself to thee.  Give me the courage to do so.

                                                             ~Francois Fenelon