Daily Bread Feb. 17

One Conversation at a Time
By Russ Pirie of Burlington, Ontario, Canada


Agree with God, and be at peace;
   in this way good will come to you. —Job 22:21 NRSV

About a year ago, four of us were hired as revitalization ministers in Canada East Mission Centre, with the challenge of helping to bring new life to congregations and their surrounding communities. We have learned to look for Christ in everyone we meet.

One ministry we offer is Coffee and Conversations. Using the Internet, we invite people from the community to join us for coffee and discussion of a daily topic. We welcome all people, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The goal of the group is to build community—to make the world a better place, one conversation at a time.

One day, I received an e-mail from a lady who had just moved from India to Canada and wanted to join our group. When I met her, it didn’t take long to realize she was several months pregnant and living in a country where she knew no one. That night, our mini-United Nations group, representing the countries of Russia, Scotland, Italy, and the Netherlands, embraced her and quickly stated, “Now you have us as friends.” About three months later, this Hindu woman had her baby blessed by elders of Community of Christ.

More recently, a Muslim invited the whole group to her house for Thanksgiving dinner. Another young adult Muslim woman refers to our group as “family.”

Where do you see Christ? In the person who is standing next to you in a store check-out line? In the person sitting on the sidewalk with a sign? In the impatient driver who cut you off? In the immigrant who has not learned “our” language yet? In the person on the other side of the aisle at church?

When you intentionally look for Christ in others, you may be the recipient of some very wonderful surprises!

Prayer Phrase

God is with us.

Invitation to Spiritual Practice

Holy Attention

Ordinary time is a season for awakening to God’s presence in all the details and circumstances of our everyday, ordinary lives. Wherever you are, pay attention to your surroundings. Allow yourself to be fully present for a time with whatever is before you. Where do you sense God with you right now exactly where you are?

How does today’s story invite you to discover God in the realities of your everyday 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.

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