Where Healing and Wholeness Begin
Janne Grover, Council of Twelve Apostles
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28
In a post-modern culture, it becomes more and more challenging to embrace God as mystery. The human tendency is to rationalize, understand, quantify, or explain God with language or science. I have discovered over the years, however, that the more I learn about God, the more I simply want to dwell in God.
I was born into an awareness of God through loving parents, extended family, and church community. I have always had a belief in God, a desire to follow Christ, and an active prayer life. But, as a young adult, I found myself seeking my own place in a faith community. At the same time, I struggled with a sense of self-worth, even as I outwardly portrayed healthy confidence. In a moment of raw vulnerability, I poured my heart out to God in confession and longing. What I received was not audible or tangible, but what I can only describe as profound presence. In the deep silence, my awareness of God as Divine Mystery and Presence came when I was able to empty myself of ego, expectations, and control. But the most important self-emptying was my pain.
Be vulnerable to divine grace (Doctrine and Covenants 163:10b) holds such significance to me as a reminder of where healing and wholeness begin. It does not have to be rationalized, theorized, justified, or explained…it simply needs to be claimed…then generously shared.
May this Lenten journey be one of self-emptying for the sake of living more fully in the Divine Other.
Prayer Phrase
I surrender into your love.
Spiritual Practice
Centering Prayer
Set a timer for 20 minutes. (If that feels like too much at first, choose a time that will be comfortable for you as a starting place, committing to expand that time in future prayer.) Allow the rhythm of your breath to draw you deeper and deeper into silence. As you breathe, claim one sacred word (Christ, peace, grace, trust, etc.) emerging in you as an anchor to return you to the intention of your prayer when your thoughts begin to wander. Gently release the thoughts and images that come, making space for presence to the One who is with you here and now. Release, return, “be vulnerable to divine grace” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:10b).
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.
