Category Archives: Daily Bread Devotional

By Your Grace, I Breathe
Rachelle Kent of Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.  -1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Choking dust rises and the wind whips; sharp grains of sand sting my skin, my eyes. Unaccustomed to such grit and pain, my vision is vague.

The path ahead is hidden under clouds of confusing haze.

Stop. I know the way. Follow me.

On my own, I am lost-another vessel of bone and parched vellum, seeking clarity and purpose in places where none can be found.
Then, through the blinding murkiness…

Be still.
Feel.
Rise and follow me.

I barely see the heels of your feet as I struggle against the lashing wind. I’m unprepared. No clothes to cover my legs or face-nothing but my bare arms to shield my eyes. It hurts.

Follow me.

And almost like I have no choice, I grab the hem of your garment, holding onto just a thread. Stumbling, I lose sight of you again… Panic rises.

Stop. I know the way. I am the way.

It begins to pass.
The dust begins to settle. The wind begins to drop. Through the obscurity, shards of blue appear. So I rest. At your feet.

I fall to my knees and bow my head-your beauty and reverence, your peace and your light, pierce my innermost soul so that I cannot stand in your presence.

My thoughts, full of the dust of the everyday, push me out of the place I want to be, the place I need to be most… At your feet.

Yet, by your grace, I breathe.
Breathe.
Be still.
Let the storms rage around you.
Breathe.
Be still.
I am the way.
Breathe.
Be still.
Know that I am your God.

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

Turn Your Heart toward God
Kathy Robinson, World Church Health and Wholeness Team, team leader

If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. -Deuteronomy 30:16

From the time I was a little girl, I remember my parents sharing that one of the most important things to remember is to love others, get along with every person, think about how God wants me to act toward the other person-whether they are nice or not. Be nice…be kind…try to find good in all people.

An old saying is to “kill with kindness” someone who isn’t being nice to you. This is a rather terrible, contradictory phrase for trying to promote peace! But the point is not to respond with anger or rudeness to the things others do that hurt you; actively be nice to them so they might be positively affected-and they may start being nice back to you. This is hard to do. But it often does work, and as my mother explained: when you act lovingly toward them, you are turning your heart toward God.

In Deuteronomy, Moses delivers this same message to the Israelites: if you choose to turn your heart toward God, you will be blessed. If you choose your covenant with God, you will receive life; if you reject the covenant, you will perish.

This is also part of what Jesus taught His followers in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are you [even] when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you… Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” He also said, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:11, 12, 14).

Today, when others are acting against us or hurting our feelings and making us mad or sad, we often talk about forgiveness and reconciliation. The message is still the same as what my parents taught me: be nice, be kind, love one another…even your enemies. WE are the followers of Jesus, so WE have the responsibility to walk with God, to turn our hearts toward God, and offer love and friendship to all.

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

Authentic Kindness
Jena Vangjel of Baton Rouge, LA USA

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. -Romans 14:17-19

Joining the local YMCA has been a source of joy for me. It allows me to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it has also connected me to my community in unexpected and enriching ways. This connection hasn’t been profound-merely simple exchanges with people that I wouldn’t otherwise come into contact with. Recently, I attended a pilates class at the Y for the first time. I walked in slightly unsure of myself-I didn\’t know anyone in the class or anything about what was required.

There was an older man already in the room, waiting for the session to begin. He immediately introduced himself to me with a warm smile. His name was Charlie, and I instantly felt safe and at ease around him. He asked if I’d ever attended a pilates class before. I said no, so he helped me get the necessary equipment ready. Then, as the other members of the class arrived, he introduced me to every person. If someone didn’t walk right past us, he would call them over so I could meet them. During the class, he would quietly mention pertinent information or tips, and halfway through he looked over and said warmly, “You’re doing great!” At the end of class I thanked him for his kindness and help. He said, “I hope we’ll see you back!” and then invited me to a different class he thought I would like as well.

As I left the gym feeling buoyed by the authentic kindness I’d experienced, I found myself thinking about what a great witness Charlie had been. He greeted me with love, helped me learn the ropes without me having to ask, introduced me to everyone so I felt at home, and then invited me back for more. If he’d been the first person I met at a new church, I would’ve felt welcomed, at ease, and excited to return in the future. I’m so grateful for Charlie and for how he literally created community for me. That pilates class taught me a lot, and I’ll be back for more!

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

Becoming a People of Peace
Terry Snapp of Independence, MO, USA

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. -James 3:13

Let us:
Live and embody the concerns and passions of Jesus Christ
So that others may encounter in us the Prince of Peace
Learn the language of peace
So that others may hear the words of peace
Develop the skills of peace
So that we may become makers of peace
Support the works of peace
So that all those who work for peace may be one
Create works of peace
So that God’s kingdom of peace shall multiply and spread
Create the music of peace
So that divine melodies of peace shall fill our souls with joy
Create sanctuaries of peace where all are welcome
So that all can experience peace
Create art for peace
So that the beauty of peace shall capture the hearts of many
Courageously stand for peace
So that the cause of peace shall prevail
Personify peace as a little child
So that we may lead others to God’s community of peace
Covenant with God anew for courage to become a people of peace
So that we may fulfill God’s call and vision for His peaceable kingdom

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

We Are But Love
Monica Bradford of Lee’s Summit, MO, USA

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. -Isaiah 58:11-12

Selfless living seeks the wellbeing of others above ourselves-loving outsiders as you do your family or tribe. That’s sometimes hard. I mean, there are times when it’s hard enough to love your family or your tribe. It can be work…when your partner is tired and grumpy or your kids are stomping around the house arguing and slamming doors. You start taking deep breaths, and pray for patience and remind yourself how much you love your family. And yet, you have this bond, this kinship, this deep-rooted love that gets you through. You gladly choose to heed the commandment to love. But the commandment also says to love your neighbor as yourself. I actually really like my neighbors so I thought I was doing pretty well with that one. But now I’ve got to love the outsiders, too, but I’m not sure I encounter that many outsiders. I might chat with other moms and dads at the bus stop, I cook, we eat, I take the kids to lessons and practices, we come home, go to bed, and start all over again the next day. My life is pretty contained within my tribe. I’m committed to living a life of love, to loving my neighbor…I’m just not always sure where to start.

And then I think of my friend Gwen. She once told me that she prays the paper as her daily spiritual practice. She reads through the stories and prays for the victims or those who are suffering. And then she prays for the perpetrators, or the ones doing harm. She’s sending her love and God’s light into the world, even when it’s really hard to do. Gwen is living a life of loving her neighbor.

My husband Steve feels this passion for camps and working with youth. So much so that one year when the kids asked him for a way to get together during the school year he started opening our home once a month and inviting them in. He laughed with them, and listened to them, and held them up when they were suffering. Many of those youth still schedule times to come by the house when they are on break from college just to reconnect. Steve is living a life of loving his neighbor.

My 11-year-old friend Hannah has organized events to raise money and food for those in need. When she was only five, she coordinated a talent show at her congregation and collected money and food because she wanted to help the “hungry children.” She gave the donations to the BackSnack program in her school district, a program that sends home a backpack full of food every weekend for students who may not have enough to eat when they don’t have a school lunch to rely on. Hannah is living a life of loving her neighbor.

Perhaps loving our neighbor is really about expanding our tribes in every encounter that we make. “…We’ve got Christian lives to live, we’ve got Jesus love to give. We’ve got nothing to hide, because in him we are but love.”

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

Searching, Ever Searching, for Peace
Grace Andrews of Independence, MO USA

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you… -John 14:27

Our constant hope is for peace, peace through any storm. A terrible storm raged over the ocean. On the shore was a craggy rock formation jutting out over the water. Giant waves crashed on the rocks; wild winds tore through heavy rains, spraying rocks and shore with flooding waters. On one rocky ledge with an overhang protecting him, was a small bird; his throat swollen due to the volume of the song he was singing. On and on he loudly sang in the midst of fury all around him. May we all sing through our storms as we pray for peace.

And there was another storm. Jesus had ministered to the people all day; he was tired; he needed rest; He needed to get away from the surging crowds and just be quiet for a little while. We can all relate to that feeling. So he got in a boat with a few disciples and started across the lake. The water was smooth and calm, and he immediately was lulled to sleep. But soon a terrific storm brewed; the boat began to rock violently and was being swamped by huge waves. And Jesus slept. The disciples, all trained fishermen and very accustomed to inclement weather on the sea, were scared to death. They finally woke him, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re all going to drown.” Jesus calmly said, “Why are you afraid? You of little faith.” He rebuked the wind and the sea, and the boat was once again on peaceful waters.

We’ve all been on troubled waters when thoughts of peace were a world away. And we’ve all likely been acquainted with troubled individuals who find no joy in life. They’ve buried themselves deep inside the dark cave they’ve crawled into. No matter our efforts to convince them that they are persons of worth, that God loves them dearly, our positive comments bounce off as they hurl negatives back. For them, there is no peace. Communication is difficult. After trying over and over and failing to persuade them, we sadly walk away, discouraged.

But there is One who will never walk away. God gives us God’s full attention. God always has time to listen to us. In our best moments God’s love is reflected through us. We are called to pay attention, to listen, to be interested in others in spite of\’ the darts thrown in our direction. We are never forced to love; rather we are invited to assist Jesus in sharing God\’s peace.

We recently received word that Sako Sekine, wife of former Apostle Kisuke Sekine, had passed away. They were a precious couple and, in spite of troubling moments, they continued to give quiet, loving ministry to everyone they encountered. When they lived in Independence, we were privileged to visit several times in their home. I was humbled each time “Seke” greeted me as we passed each other in the halls. He would fold his hands, bow before me, and say, “Namaste.” The Hindu definition is “I bow to the divine in you.” His interpretation was “The Jesus in me sees the Jesus in You.” What a beautiful thought. No matter race, religion, politics, whatever…let us recognize Namaste in each other and share God’s peace with everyone we meet. Only then will the kingdom be brought near. May that time come quickly is my prayer.

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

Infinitely Wise and Compassionate
Joann Condit of Phoenix, AZ, USA

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. -Isaiah 58:8-9

In 2009, Clay and I made an extended trip through northern Mexico. We have visited this country several times, but never the state of Chihuahua and its Copper Canyon. We were ignorant of its rich history. The first few days were centered in Nuevo Casas Grandes and the historical areas around it such as the ancient ruins of Paquime, the famous pottery village called Mata Ortiz, and the small community of Colonia Juarez.

We had never heard of Colonia, and, to our astonishment, learned it was established between 1885 and 1887 by a large contingent of Mormon settlers who fled Utah when polygamy was outlawed. They pooled their money and bought, sight unseen, a large section of land. They were delighted with its quality and industriously cleared the land and planted crops that flourish in the desert. They were ready to harvest when the representative of a wealthy man, Don Luis Terazzas, arrived and told them they did not own the land at all; he did.

They were dislodged and forced to move into the hills where the soil was rocky and would not support farm crops. There was a small river, and the discouraged but hardworking colonists once more began to build their community. They planted apple and pear trees that thrived in the higher hills above the desert. So also did the colonists thrive.

The settlement remained peaceful and prosperous until about 1898. That year brought drought conditions so severe the river went dry. The orchards were considerably stressed. They seriously considered giving up and leaving, but first assembled for an all-day meeting to pray for rain. Their fervent petitions continued on into the evening, and finally ended without a hint of clouds in the sky. They returned to their homes, discouraged to tears. At 3:30 in the morning, an earthquake shook the mountains, and it opened a spring that ran into the river. It runs to this day, and the settlement never again has been without plentiful water.

The earthquake in the mountains did not damage the colony. The river has flowed for well over 100 years. The people who believed, who had launched out into a strange new land, suffered through severe disappointments and persevered through intense physical labor and uncertainty…they were God’s children among the myriad children who call upon God in faith.

We are blessed richly by the testimonies of God’s infinitely wise and compassionate touch in our lives. Whether we recognize the touch, the blessing, or the even the love, God is present. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

Continue Serving
Susan Oxley of Seattle, WA, USA

Depart from evil, and do good;
    seek peace, and pursue it. -Psalm 34:14

My brother-in-law Bob Skoor is a retired world church appointee living in Moses Lake, Washington. He was always an avid reader, passionate about studying theology, scripture, and doctrine. But those days are gone. Bob is legally blind now.

He called me a few weeks after my mother’s death to see how I was doing and offer his support. In addition, he had just received news that a mutual friend of ours had terminal cancer and was in hospice care. He asked how she was doing, and wanted her phone number so he could call and tell her how important her life had been and the influence she had on others.

“I’ve found it’s something I can do,” Bob said. “Here I sit in a dark room, can’t see a thing, but I can still listen.  And I understand what it’s like to have your health give out and suddenly discover that everything has changed in your world. I can empathize. So when someone I care about is facing difficulties, I call them. That’s what I can do now.”

God never stops calling us to minister and serve. Bob could spend his days in anger and frustration, bitter because he can no longer see. Instead, he calls old friends, colleagues, and acquaintances that have touched his life. He offers support, affirmation, and encouragement. He often senses the Spirit leading him to connect with someone specific, and he responds. At times he has felt an urgency to make special efforts to contact a person and then has heard of their death shortly afterward. His openness and discernment are gifts God uses to bring faith and hope into the lives of others.

Bob isn’t alone. He’s only one example of how people continue to find avenues of ministry regardless of age or changing circumstances. The community is blessed when each of us responds to God’s call, offering the best of our abilities, even in the worst of life’s circumstances.

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

Shine Light on Injustice
Shandra Newcom, World Church Peace and Justice Team, team leader

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. -Isaiah 58:6-8

Injustice flourishes in the dark. It hides, creating systems of oppression that affect human beings and the earth. It causes pain, poverty, brokenness, separation, and hatred of those we do not understand. As followers of Christ, we are called to challenge injustice every day and shine the light of peace and hope that comes through our understandings of Jesus’ life, teaching, and ministry. He made it clear through his stories and actions that as followers of the way we cannot ignore injustice in our world. As Christians, it is our call to uncover injustice, speak truth to the powers of oppression, and work to bring about an end to violence and fear.

It is not an easy task, nor can we do it alone.

In my mission center, the high school youth spend a weekend learning about issues of injustice that face their community. They spend time hearing stories from the people most oppressed by these unjust systems. They commit themselves to shining the light of Christ into the darkest corners of our world. This experience changes the way they act and see the world. It opens up their hearts to find the covered places they carry that contribute to suffering. Through experience, these youth discover what it means to create authentic, loving, and just Christian community.

This is our invitation, too. Jesus, the Light of the World, calls us to be light. Jesus calls us to uncover the injustice that is growing, and he calls us into community. As we respond with growing relationship, we will begin to see that as we turn our hearts toward justice, the world experiences the peace of Christ. This peace is transformative, and it relies on our action as light.

You are invited to shine.

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.

Constant and Consistent Love
Tom Mountenay of Independence, MO, USA

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. -St. Francis Prayer

According to communication theory, a person moving toward another person communicates a positive value. It could possibly be curiosity or concern. Conversely, when we move away from a person, we communicate a negative value, possibly disinterest or dislike.

Recently, I have been asking myself, “How am I being with others?” I want to be an instrument for peace, a living sanctuary, for people in need of justice and peace. In my moments of self-examination, I realize satisfaction when I have been attentive, alarm when callous. It dawned on me a few weeks ago, when in conversation with other evangelists, that an instrument of peace exists for a specific purpose.

In my reflections, I asked myself, “Where does an instrument of peace belong?” For me, all good answers take me into uncomfortable places. Places I must go-places where I am to be an instrument of peace and sanctuary.

I always found it amusing when God told Moses (paraphrased), “I have seen the misery of my people. I have heard their cries, and I have felt their suffering. I am going to come down to rescue them.” And then God sends Moses to free the people from Pharaoh and to lead them into a land flowing with milk and honey. At last, God sends Jesus (God’s self) down to free all of us.

God always moves in a constant and consistent direction-toward the creation God loves. God is not passive. God is deliberate. God, always on the move, always moving towards us, is communicating love for us. How do we communicate love for one another?

Prayer Phrase

I surrender into your love, O God.

Spiritual Practice

Surrender

What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.

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.