Reunion
Katie Harmon-McLaughlin of Walnut Creek, CA, USA
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28
The Kingdom of God is like…
rusted metal chairs squeaking across the cement floor
as slanted setting sunlight turns to gold
everything and everyone in its path
The Kingdom of God is like…
worshiping with mosquitoes at our ankles
attached to dirty feet and hope-filled hearts,
feeling a strange peace and renewal
in being together without all the
conveniences we normally rely on
The Kingdom of God is like…
leaving all our stuff at home
and forgetting that
we think we need it
and somehow remembering
that what we really need is each other
and the spaciousness of hours
to be present in a deeper way
The Kingdom of God is like…
sitting under the stars
beside the campfire,
the aroma of bug spray and smoke,
(an unexpected balm of healing),
the croak of frogs, cicada chorus,
a blessing we crave
The Kingdom of God is like…
forgetting for a while
the allure of the extravagant
and finding the deeper rest
we seek in the simplest things
worn from the weather and the years
that stir a longing in our souls
for which we return
as often as we can
The Kingdom of God is like…
this invitation to pay attention
(and not just sometimes
and definitely more than once a year)
to what the Holy is saying to us
about what
really matters
and how to find it
everywhere
anytime
in every ordinary
thing
Prayer Phrase
“… the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
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. Imagine 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, especially into places and situations in need of loving care. Give thanks to the Spirit, source of every breath, source of life.
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.
