soil of the soul, saturday

Saturday, September 6

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

Opening Prayer: Father, allow the soil of my soul to be a place that is fertile and receptive to all that you desire to plant in my heart.  Tend it carefully and nurture all that has sprung up in me that is of you; that I may be a garden of your delight. Through Jesus.  Amen.

                        

Scripture Reading for the Day: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Reading for Reflection:

 

     When you meditate or abide in your quiet times of communion, you do not charge in and do something, like saying, “I will now be good and move mountains by my act of faith.”  No, you water your garden, knowing that these ideas are growing into a heavenly garden; the indwelling spirit doeth the work, not you: you merely water it.  Do you not see the comfort there is in that?  I can tell you in primer language that a very gentle, calm, unemotional, selfless, and patient attitude toward your spiritual growth is essential—such as all old gardeners know.  They know that patience, hoeing, watering, and certain order, a quiet rhythm, bring a heavenly beauty. (Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood edited by Mary Strong)

Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself

                      
Closing Prayer: Lord God, give me the wisdom, the strength, and the faithfulness to continually water this soul you have planted within me.  It belongs to you and I am to be the best keeper and steward of it that I can possibly be.  You have promised to bring the growth, if I will be faithful to tend it well.  Help me to do just that.  Amen.