I Need You to Survive
Sharon Simms of Jacksonville, MO, USA
You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives. -Doctrine and Covenants 151:9
The basil plant sitting on a small wooden table on my front porch was limp. It drooped over, leaves starved for water. I imagined it dying of thirst. The plant needed attention. That plant symbolized me without God, my power source.
Through God’s love, word, relationships and fellowship with children of God, I am well-watered and refreshed in Spirit. However, when I don’t spend time in the word, when I fail to talk with God, and when I avoid gatherings of like-minded disciples, it is then that my spirit becomes dry, limp, and weary.
God did not design us to live in this world alone. We need God and we need each other. Stay plugged in to your living water and the gift of loving fellowship God provides on Earth.
God, as the deer pants for the water, so our souls long for you. Without you, we are nothing. Thank you for loving friends and family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
Let your heart be broken for a world in need. -Bryan Jeffrey Leech, \xc2\xa9 1976 Fred Bock Music Company, Community of Christ Sings 353
Spiritual Practice
Lament
Lament is an expression of our grief, sorrow, and sometimes confession to God amid the brokenness, injustice, and suffering of the human family. Lament is a major theme of the psalms and an invitation to “let our hearts be broken” as we humbly pray for awareness of right and restorative action. Spend time each day this month practicing the prayer of Lament.
Loving God, break my heart open to my own and others’ suffering because of injustice. Help me stay with what is real even when it is uncomfortable.
Forgiving God, grow in me an awareness of the ways that I consciously and unconsciously contribute to systems of violence, suffering, and injustice.
Healing God, open my eyes to invitations to relieve the physical and spiritual suffering of others.
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.
