Follow the Prompts
By Kassandra Unger of West Pennant Hills, New South Wales, Australia
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 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 NRSV
In preparation for a Samba dance performance, women generally spend weeks and weeks engaged in hard training and strict dieting. In my dance school, this means that the dance lesson following a performance is filled with an abundance of the previously forbidden carbs and sugar!
Recently, I went to Samba class as I do every week. Three hours on a Monday, each hour more difficult than the last. However, this week wasn’t like every week. The last half of advanced class was dedicated to a potluck. I had not been involved in the recent performance, and as I engaged in my classes I was unaware of the potluck custom that would follow.
We all sat on the floor with a glorious spread of food before us. Many dishes were homemade, reflective of the ethnic diversity within our group. Each described the food they had graciously brought. I sat there in a state of panic. This went against the manners that had been instilled in me. I had nothing to share. As my time to share approached, anxiety receded and a peace came over me as I remembered what I could share.
“I am sorry I didn’t bring anything to share, but…perhaps I could offer grace over the meal?”
“YES!!!” was the unanimous reply. The answer came before I could even finish the sentence. It was loud and affirmative and kind of blew me away. Although I had offered, I hadn’t really expected my offer to be so enthusiastically accepted.
Oh, how God works in our lives. Follow the prompts…even if they are accompanied by a little anxiety.
Prayer Phrase
I dwell in your presence.
Spiritual Practice
Prayer of Examen
Spend a few moments recalling your day. Let details, events, and conversations drift through your memory. Offer gratitude for the day and pray to be aware of how God was present. What did you notice or feel that brought meaning? Pay attention to moments when you felt least in harmony with God’s vision for creation. Offer a prayer of confession. Pay attention to moments when you felt most in harmony with God’s vision for creation. Pray to be even more aware of and responsive to God’s presence in the days ahead. Amen.
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.
