Peacework
Charles Patterson Curry of Apple Valley, MN, USA
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-he is Lord of all.” -Acts 10:34-36
you never see the whole thing
just what is before you
do this, you’re told
and you do
do this often enough
it becomes habit
slips beyond conscious thought
becomes mechanical
which is the whole point anyway
to give you no say
in work shaped by unseen forces
out-of-sight people
unseen flaws
exacerbated by speed
will break the whole
not long from now
what looks good
may already be breaking
come back to thought
stand outside habit
receive with grace
send on with gentleness
show someone
there is a different way
Prayer Phrase
I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth… (Isaiah 43:19).
Spiritual Practice
A New Thing
Breathe deeply and listen within. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in you? How do you feel about the new thing that might be emerging? Are you excited, resistant, fearful, hopeful? Take whatever you are experiencing to prayer. Breathe deeply and listen around you. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in your community? Pay attention to how it feels to discern the Spirit’s activity and presence within and around you.
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.
