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.)
Scripture Reading 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.
Reflection and Listening: silent and written
Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself
Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself
Closing Prayer: My God, I wish to give
myself to thee. Give me the courage to
do so.
~Francois Fenelon
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