Opening Prayer: Deliver us when we draw near to you, O God,
from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind: grant that with steadfast hearts
and kindled affections, we may worship you in Spirit and in Truth. Amen. (Venite by Robert Benson)
Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11
Journal: What about Paul’s prayer for the church at Philippi
causes something to stir in your heart?
What part of it do you long to have prayer for you? What part of it do you long to pray for
others? What do the words pure and
blameless do within you right now?
Why?
Reflection:
Prayer is the way in which the soul is infused by
the power of the Holy Spirit. If one
continues to pray in confidence and strength despite all outer diversions and
inner discouragements, there will be gradual change in one’s disposition. The effect is neither rapid nor
magical—growth, whether physical or spiritual, takes time and is unobtrusive
when viewed on a day-to-day basis—but one’s life proceeds so one becomes dimly
aware of an inner composure and tolerance to events that would previously have
disturbed one’s equilibrium. One reacts
less abruptly to the insensitive intrusion of other people into one’s thoughts
and private life: one becomes less jealous when one hears of another’s success
in one’s own chosen field; one responds with greater calm in the face of
unpleasant circumstances that before would have shattered one emotionally to
the extent of preventing one from working properly or being decently aware of
other people in the neighborhood. (The Spiritual Dimension by Martin
Israel)
Prayer
Closing Prayer: Drive far from us all wrong desires, O God,
and incline our hearts to keep your ways.
Grant that having cheerfully done your will this day we may, when night
comes, rejoice and give you thanks.
Through the one who lives a reigns with you and your Spirit, one God,
now and forever. Amen. (Venite by
Robert Benson)
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