the storehouse

Opening Prayer: O God, it is by your gift that evening follows day and that rest restores us after labor, while we rejoice to receive these blessings, make us mindful that they come from your gracious hand. Amen.  ~Saint Augustine

Scripture: Matthew 13:52

Journal: What treasures has God put in your storehouse lately?  What are the old treasures he has deposited in you in days gone by that you still cherish and pass along?  What are the new treasures he has deposited in you lately?  How might you give those away in the future?

Reflection: It is God’s very nature—by his Spirit living within us—to constantly be depositing his treasures in our souls.  Our very souls are his storehouse, a place where all kinds of words and images and gifts and graces and pearls of wisdom are deposited in us by the Giver of all good gifts.  And these treasures weren’t meant merely for us alone, but were meant to be shared—to enrich and enliven the hearts and souls of those who cross our paths.  What a beautiful picture of life with Jesus!  What a beautiful picture of the true essence of the life of ministry.

     And the wonder of wonders is that the storehouse never gets too full.  Our souls are spacious enough and expansive enough to hold an enormous amount of fullness, as we savor and cherish the treasures of old, while at the same time continuing to make room for the treasures that are brand new.  May we, O God, be good stewards of the many treasures you have given to us.

Prayer

Closing Prayer: O God, giver of all good gifts, we ask that we who have freely received your abundant treasures, both new and old, might freely offer those treasure to those that cross our paths this day.  Amen.