Author Archives: karbly

God’s Sacred Creation
Elizabeth McDonald of Seaside, OR, USA

I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever;
  with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
I declare that your steadfast love is established forever;
  your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. -Psalm 89:1-2

My husband and I were enjoying a camping vacation on the lower Rogue River in southwest Oregon. My sister and brother-in-law were camped nearby. One afternoon my sister took us for a drive into the Redwoods about 30 minutes away. Turning off the highway, we entered a park of trails among the giant trees.

I have traveled and walked among the Redwoods many times in the past. But now as a woman in her senior years, I was awed to the center of my soul. I felt the urge to kneel, to put my arms around the trees and embrace the sacredness I felt among them. To me they were vibrantly alive and spirit-filled. I walked quietly, feeling I was on holy ground.

I wanted to capture their beauty in photographs but was afraid that with my inexpensive camera there would not be enough light under the forest canopy. However, each time I focused the camera on the scene before me, light radiated and filled the picture. The light seemed to be above, around, and inside those glorious trees.

My sister and I shared one awe-filled moment after another. Finally, our husbands called us to return to the car. It was getting late. As I got back into the car, I suddenly felt totally rested. My soul had been refreshed in God’s sacred grove.

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

A Piece of Sacredness
Douglas Graves of New York City, NY, USA

Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. -Hebrews 13:20-21

One of the joys of living in the New York City area is the variety of food options available to enjoy. However, we have our favorite spots. Mine happens to be a deli/cafe near my work, so I am familiar with the people who work there.

As I was ordering my food one day, the worker behind the counter began to unroll a tamale from its cornhusk. I jokingly said, “Hey, that wasn’t on the menu! I would have ordered that.” He smiled and said, “Would you like it? I’ve already eaten.” I thanked him, but said my ordered food would be plenty. He broke off some of the tamale, placed it on a piece of aluminum foil, and offered it to me. I gladly took it and began eating the piece of tamale. It was perfect.

It reminded me of the tamales I’ve had all over the country, the friends I’ve shared them with, and the discussions about tamales. I thanked him and told him how delicious it was. Then I took my food and went on my way. As I left, the sacredness of that moment struck me. Here was someone who only knows me in a client/worker relationship, and yet he offered me part of his personal meal.

Jesus and his disciples shared in many meals with many different people. They weren’t always feasts of great splendor. Often they were the simplest meals possible. Yet when they shared with one another, it became much more than a meal. The breaking of the bread has come to symbolize sharing in the Body of Christ. We are asked to “eat in remembrance of the body of your Son.” Yet sometimes, something other than bread reminds us that we are all connected to God.

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Listen to the Prophetic Voice
Andrew Fox, British Isles Mission Centre president and financial officer

…[Nathan speaks prophetically to David] I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  -2 Samuel 7:9-12

During my teenage years the British Isles reunion schedule included a prayer-and-testimony service every morning. Whilst I attended each of these services, I did not always listen closely to each prayer or every testimony.

At one such service I noticed Nicholas, a peer, stand and speak. But my mind was elsewhere, and I did not listen. At the end of the service several people approached me and expressed how wonderful it had been to hear what Nicholas had shared. They asked how it felt to have God speak to me through Nicholas. I seem to remember offering some vague responses. I didn’t mention that I had no idea what Nicholas had said because I wasn’t listening.

Fortunately, Nicholas’ Aunt Lily took copious notes in shorthand at each service and had written down exactly what Nicholas had said. A few weeks later I received in the post a transcript of the prophetic words God had wanted me to hear on that day, if only my mind had been attuned to listen.

The prophetic voice speaks to us in many ways and forms.

Prophecy may come through the spoken words of one in tune with God at that time. On other occasions we may encounter the prophetic voice, not through words but through the wonders of nature. And sometimes the prophetic voice speaks to us directly in a moment of clarity that permeates our thinking when no one else is present. The challenge before each of us is to be attentive and ready to listen.

But let’s be honest, there still will be occasions when we fail to hear or recognise the promptings of God’s voice. On those occasions we may discover we need to give thanks for the Lilys of this world, who listen for the prophetic voice on our behalf.

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

God Speaks
Don Wiley of Murrieta, CA, USA

Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
  for he will speak peace to his people,
  to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. -Psalm 85:8

In the early days of the Park Church, it was common to have animals in the church, companions of the homeless and occasional visitors walking their dogs in the park. It was a rented historic building, one of the first churches in the community that had been moved to Magee Park in Carlsbad. We had refreshments before the service, and a couple of dogs and a macaw bird were guests that day. Stackable chairs were arranged in rows facing the portable podium, and I sat in the front row getting ready to speak.

Just before I was to stand and share, Sheila, a beautiful golden retriever sitting on the floor in the row behind me, walked up to me, put her paws on my knees, and licked my cheek (gave me a kiss) before returning to her spot next to her owner. This surprised everyone because she had never done anything like this before, and I had not been friendly with her before.

Sheila knew something and gave expression as only she could do. God shares with us in so many unexpected ways. How is God speaking to you?

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

My Nickel and Dime Prayers
Harriet White of Lamoni, IA, USA

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint. Break free of the shackles of conventional culture that mainly promote self-serving interests. Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return. Could it be otherwise in the domain of God, who eternally gives all for the sake of creation? -Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

When I was a child, I spent precious time with my dad. I would often ask, without forethought as to whether my requests were in my best interest, for the nickels and dimes in his pocket so I could buy a soda, a candy bar, or some trinket. He would, with false exasperation, pull change out of his pocket saying, “Child, you’re going to nickel and dime me to death!”

I often wondered when I prayed if God was ever tempted to say to me in fatherly fashion, “Child, you’re going to wear me out with your wants and demands! You’re going to nickel and dime me to death!”

As my children grew, it was during times of dialoguing about their concerns that we learned the unique gift of spiritual friendship and prayer that moves us beyond the present moment of “I want,” toward a more holistic future. One son, very analytical in his thinking, would share a concern. I would listen, asking specific questions as we dialogued. When we were finished, he would say to me, “Okay, what direction do we need to take in our prayers?” His question told me he understood two very important concepts. First, what we ask for that makes us feel better for the immediate moment may not always be in our best interest. Second, he was able to look to long-term goals and align his present moment with how he envisioned his future.

Spiritual friendship is the gift of having someone who can help us view our present moment in relationship to our future, someone with whom we can dialogue about our life journey. A spiritual friend will listen, ask relevant questions, and help us prayerfully discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in all areas of our life.

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Courage to Change
Barbara Howard of Lee’s Summit, MO, USA

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we[d] also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. -Romans 5:1-5

I have a friend who lives in constant danger in a small Central American country. He and the villagers where he lives are caught in the crossfire of armies. He described the care with which one of the village women kept her garden. “The garden could be ravaged by Jeeps or soldiers at any time, but she faithfully plants her vegetables, collects rainwater, cares for the tender seedlings. I watch her diligence in amazement. It is as though the garden is her statement of faith. I have never known courage like I have seen here.” People live each day in thanksgiving for life, family, and food, fully aware that the next day these may all be gone.

Lynne works as a peace activist. She has participated in several demonstrations and has been imprisoned at times for civil disobedience. Lynne finds courage in remembering the imprisonment of Christians, including early church leaders. Prison is difficult, but lacking the courage of conviction is unthinkable. She gains strength from the community of courageous women and men who risked in the past and her sisters and brothers who share her struggle today. Lynne’s letters from prison carry an amazing spirit of joy. “There is much ministry to be done here,” she wrote.

Some acts of courage seem incomprehensible-the risks beyond belief. Yet in each decision there is the promise of joy. Jesus’ commitment to life and ultimate crucifixion contained the seeds of resurrection-joy. Courage is the willingness to face each day wearing the armor of hope and conviction against life’s onslaughts. Like the rain’s dependable refreshment and cleansing, joy overflows in moments of courage. It restores us to face a new day.

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

I Saw What I Have Seen
John Bonney of Springfield, OR, USA

May those who sow in tears
  reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
  bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
  carrying their sheaves. -Psalm 126:5-6

I saw the moon, much reduced as it transitioned from a full everything to a dwindling little. I saw Venus nearby, or so it seemed from the perspective of Earth. Within the pre-dawn light of my reflecting headlamp, I saw the silvery web of a spider suspended within a bush by strands of netted tethers. It was adorned in the finest of gleaming jewelry, droplets of nighttime moisture that had gathered to celebrate the spider’s masterful construction.

I saw a young cat-a black-and-white longhair-rolling and writhing in the dry gutter. The rough texture of the concrete paving soothed her itch. She reveled in the sensation of having her back scratched, her underside exposed to a world she thought to be non-threatening. She accepted me as non-threatening also.

I saw caterpillars on the sidewalk. Fat, woolly bears with black and orange bands, scootching along in rippling fashion. I heard geese flying overhead, chatting as they winged their way onward. The sound of their voices is forever haunting, wild, and lovely.

I saw people leaving early for work. As each vehicle passes, I wave. Many recognize me by now and wave back; many do not. “What is that old fellow doing out walking at this time of day? Why, it’s not even day; it’s still night!”

I saw the impending light of day, barely discernible at the edge of recognition. Children are leaving for school via bus or parents’ cars, mothers often tending them, caring for each child as they enter the vehicle.

My eyes lift once more toward the southeast to take another look at Sirius-beautiful in our sky and to our eyes, but, in fact, detrimental to this carbon-based human form. Still and yet, a wonderfully glittering blue-white jewel in the heavens, two stars in one.

I saw creation and was brought to tears of recognition. And this earth! This is a wonderful patch on God’s robe of heaven and all that fills it. Thanks be to God.

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Moments of Mindfulness
Margaret Polly of Salem, OR, USA

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving…. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. -Colossians 4:2, 5-6

I stomped out to the cold garage one more time to move laundry out of the washer into the dryer. It had been a trying, difficult week, and I wanted to get chores done in order to rest the following day, the Sunday Sabbath. It felt like my life had become an endless cycle of laundry, dishes, cleaning, and caregiving.

As I opened the dryer, the warm air whooshed out and encircled me. Stop. Listen. I stood in the stillness and took five gentle breaths. Be mindful. Be in the moment; be aware of the gift of the moment.

Mindfulness has never been my strong quality. Usually I am anxious about the future or living in the past. The recent past (meaning this week!) had given us the “opportunity” to purchase a new water heater when ours unceremoniously died. This had followed the recent demise of both our refrigerator and dishwasher. I felt overwhelmed and angry.

The gentle call to stop and listen and become aware was surely from the Divine. Standing in the garage, holding clean warm socks in my hands, I opened my heart. I listened.

The new water heater was humming along. I considered that my brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and Syria and many other places had no energy for hot water and often did not even have clean water. Although it would take time to pay off the new refrigerator and water heater, we would and could do it. Many people could not. The dishwasher? It would have to wait, but this we could also do.

Being mindful and open to the Spirit led to gratitude. My life is so blessed with happy relationships, a warm secure home, and opportunities to lovingly serve others. There is tremendous beauty in my life when I look for it, and when I embrace it, I am content.

We find what we are looking for, whether it is negative or positive. To me, when Jesus said to seek first the kingdom and that the kingdom is within, this is what he meant.

Stop. Listen. Seek. Find.

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Welcome
Richard James, Council of Twelve Apostles

Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple-truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward. -Matthew 10:40-42

We had made plans to travel to the congregation and share in worship. Later we were invited to share in the home of people who were exploring whether Community of Christ would be a good home for them as they continued their faith journey. We started with conversations about our families. Then, as our relationship developed, we talked about our faith journeys and how God had been part of our lives. Empathy and compassion flowed as we engaged in this expressive conversation. The Spirit was present. We shared how God wants us to have a genuine and significant relationship with God and one another. Our hearts warmed to one another, and at times our eyes filled with tears.

Then it was time to eat. What a feast! Simple, yet wonderful ingredients mingled to make a delicious meal. In many ways, it was just like our lives. We, who were once strangers, drawn together from different lands, were now welcomed and joined through conversation and food. The Spirit was present.

Then as we were about to leave, we offered prayers for one another: prayers of thankfulness, hope, petition, and blessing. Prayers were offered in acknowledgment of the presence of the Spirit. In the act of hospitality and generosity, we were welcomed as strangers and left as friends and family. We left as brothers and sisters in Christ who had been in the presence of Jesus.

With whom will you share your food today? Who will be present?

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Delight in God’s Presence
Joey Williams, Western Europe and Eurasia mission centers president

David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. -2 Samuel 6:5

If you’re like me, you probably post on social media about things you enjoy. As I look over the past several days of my posts, here are a few moments when I delighted in God’s presence:

Wednesday-I attended a yoga class taught by a favorite youth minister of mine from my youth. I struggled to hold most poses. I stretched so far I wanted to give up. At the end of the class, however, I felt God’s presence wash over me as the teacher passed through the room, laying her hands gently on each head to offer a blessing of wholeness and peace.

Friday-I loaded my car with 300 pounds of resources that Apostle Catherine Mambwe would haul back to Africa. When I turned around, I saw she had picked up a huge block of snow to launch toward me. It was a joy to watch her playfully delight in God’s presence through snow and nature.

Saturday-Each day I take a moment to reflect on peace for a particular country by reading the Daily Prayer for Peace. The focus this day was Cameroon. I delighted as I sang “Louez le Seigneur!” (Community of Christ Sings 106) and reflected on this song and its country of origin.

Sunday-At an organ concert in the Auditorium, high and low pitches spread over the crowd through incredible vibrations and sensations, bringing great pleasure to each open and listening ear that delighted in God’s presence, transforming that huge space into an intimate holy sanctuary.

Monday-“Can you speak at my husband’s baptism…TOMORROW NIGHT?” I received this text on Monday. I was surprised at a church baptism in Independence, Missouri, when he could have had his pick of beautiful ocean spots on his native island of Tahiti. But God’s presence was calling him in this place and time. It was a delight to speak. But it was when an incredible evangelist spoke words in Tahitian for this young man’s confirmation that I truly understood it is GOD who delights when we enter into God’s presence!

Prayer Phrase

“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)

Spiritual Practice

The Prayer of the Heart

Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.