Daily Bread July 23

Watch and Pray
Julie Conway Sword of Gainesville, FL, USA


“…watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe to keep the commandments of God… -Mosiah 2:49

Humble yourselves and continue in prayer to him; cry to him when you are in your fields, and over all your flocks; cry to him in your houses, and over all your household . . .let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer to him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you. -Alma 16:219, 222

Be clean, be frugal…take sleep in the hours set apart by God for the rebuilding and strengthening of the body and mind…and in cheerfulness do whatever may be permitted you to perform that the blessing of peace may be upon all. -Doctrine and Covenants 119:9a, c

During this time when we are staying in our homes observing “social distancing,” I am addressing two overdue home projects: cleaning my kitchen cupboards (discarding, organizing, and rearranging) and repotting my purple violet, whose leaves were flopping over the sides of its too-small container. Now cupboard doors reveal neatness and orderliness, while the new soil in a larger pot is giving the violet an air of freedom to expand.

These two physical activities have opened my eyes, a revelation on self, to a need for clearing, expanding, and growing spiritually. Apostle Arthur Oakman often quoted, “There’s a world within and a world without.” In prayer the Spirit impressed me to expand my scripture study, develop better listening habits, and focus on positive thinking.

Now my prayer is, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Prayer Phrase

Let your world of beauty capture me.

Spiritual Practice

Growing a Gracious, Generous Heart

Open your heart to God’s grace and generosity with a “breath prayer.” Let your breathing slow and deepen. Be aware of God’s breath moving in and out of your heart. Spend several minutes focusing on breathing in God’s generosity. With each breath, silently name one gift for which you are thankful. Let your heart expand to contain God’s gracious outpouring of love. With each breath out, name one gift you want to share from the overflow of your heart.

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.

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