Time for Deep Thinking
Jan Hill of New Brighton, MN, USA
Open your hearts and feel the yearnings of your brothers and sisters who are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, and unloved. Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands, and invite all to share in the blessings of community created in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all. Do not be fearful of one another respect each life journey, even in its brokenness and uncertainty, for each person has walked alone at times. Be ready to listen and slow to criticize, lest judgments be unrighteous and unredemptive. -Doctrine and Covenants 161:3a-b
A four-year-old in our extended household had misbehaved at the dinner table and had been banished to the time-out chair in the living room. She had been told by her mother that whenever she was ready to mend her ways and be nice, she could come back to the table and eat with the rest of the family.
After an appropriate amount of time, her mother went into the living room to see how the girl was progressing with that. Evidently, during her time alone, away from the table, she had been doing some deep thinking. She wrinkled up her forehead and said, “Well, who is this God anyway? Has anyone ever seen him?” Her mother’s quick reply was, “Yes, every time I open my eyes.”
It is true. The scope of where we see God or where we encounter God is very broad, deep, and all-inclusive. God meets us anywhere and anytime, and sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
Light a candle and sit quietly, reflecting on the fire and light of God. Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Image each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale. Pray to have the Spirit of Christ radiate from your life like the gentle flame of a candle
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.
