Wednesday, January 13, 2010

How do we connect with God?

Welcome this new day. Stretch your arms toward the sky, inhaling deeply your hopes for this day, exhaling whatever anxieties you wish to put aside.
Breathe in welcome.

Breathe out suspicion.

Repeat this several times.

Prayerfully ponder and review the distractions or obstacles that may be blocking you from receiving fully the blessings of this day.

Pass these over to God's loving care.

Sit for a few minutes in silence and offer a prayer asking for God's blessing on you during this day.

A PRAYER FOR LOVE
Teach me to love, Lord, as You love,
Make it unconditional, honest, and kind,
To ask nothing back in return, Lord,
To encompass the whole of mankind.
May I offer my love without speaking,
May it radiate as it shines forth from me,
May it be seen in my face and my eyes, Lord,
May it be simple, sincere, and shame free.
Show me how to forgive, Lord, as You do,
To not burden another with guilt,
To not play the role of the martyr,
To be a rock on which trust may be built.
Make my love for others be greater by far
Than any love that is offered to me,
Led by the Spirit, Inspired of God,
As forgiving as Jesus...and free.

by Virginia (Ginny) Ellis


"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” (Chaplet of the Divine Mercy)
Choosing is part of our everyday life. We choose all day from morning until we sleep in the evening. As children of God with free choice, we may also choose our method of attaining spirituality. Choice lies in the heart of this matter, for the spirituality chosen, if one is indeed chosen at all, will be present in the minds and attitudes of those who do the choosing. In this case, choice can influence one’s entire life.
Choice, specifically concerning a rule of spirituality, is the choice of a specific set of beliefs in how to connect with Jesus. Those who authentically enter into a rule of spirituality do so by choosing these methods over all others. However, the concept of choice itself and its overall effect on a person’s life varies by spirituality. Every rule of spirituality manifests this choice in different ways. Of course, choosing Jesus is the focal point. Ultimately at the heart of the choice is the person and Jesus. Underneath the entire choice of externals, one must choose whether to enter into relationship with Jesus. In choosing Jesus, one does not surrender but instead is made complete.
Remember,spirituality is not an end in itself; it is a means to find a way to walk in the presence of Jesus, to connect with Him as a friend. It is a way to follow the message of Jesus and that message is love.
In order really connect with Jesus, a prayer life is extremely important. However, closing ourselves in a dark room and praying on our knees from morning to night is not necessarily the way we are called to pray. Our life has to be a prayer. We must recognize Him in everyone we meet during the course of our day. We must recognize Him in ourselves. We must live in such a way that we not only speak to Jesus, but also are able to recognize His response to us. We must love as He loves.

Peace and love to all,

Sue


"Be still and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10)

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