Opening Prayer: O God, what can we do of ourselves if you
support us not but fall into sin and offend you? Leave us not, therefore, to ourselves, but
strengthen us in the inward man, that so we may at all times and in all things
renounce our evil inclinations, which are incessantly endeavoring to withdraw
our hearts from you. Complete your
conquest and make us all your own both now and forever. Amen. (Disciplines for the Inner Life by
Bob Benson and Michael W. Benson)
Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-29
Journal: Where has your heart grown hard recently? What are the places your heart is
tender? Where do you sense new life and
a new spirit? Where is God at work
within you these days?
Reflection:
Our heart, the center of our being, has been
distorted by sin and wounded by life experiences. In this condition, the light of God only made
us turn away with feelings of guilt and shame.
For this reason, God has to begin the lifelong process of recreating the
heart so that we can have the freedom to receive His love fully and return it
unconditionally. This transformation of
the heart is both a prerequisite and an outcome of deepening intimacy with
God. God foretold what He would do
through the prophet Ezekiel (Ez. 36:26-29).
As God heals our hearts, remolding us the
way we were intended to be (a heart of flesh), we learn to trust His
love and forgiveness, to open ourselves freely to Him, and to discern His
presence. We begin to gain the ability
to see and hear at a heart level. (Mansions of the Heart by R. Thomas
Ashbrook)
Prayers
Closing Prayer: Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts
to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills,
that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we
pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people;
through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen. (Disciplines for the Inner Life by Bob Benson and Michael
W. Benson)
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