Preparations
Katie Harmon-McLaughlin of Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Depart from evil and do good;
so you shall abide forever.
For the LORD loves justice;
he will not forsake his faithful ones. -Psalm 37:27-28a NRSV
Up early preparing
Candles lit
Coffee brewing
These words come to mind:
I have everything I need.
I really do. I have everything I need.
For once I don’t ask for anything.
I dwell in gratitude and feel my heart
Softening, opening.
I watch morning light spill out over the world
As I consider the responsibilities of the day,
The people I will encounter,
The calling that compels me.
I feel the God-space within me expanding-
These moments, still and silent,
Instrumental in all I do.
Sacred Creator,
How, today, can I assist in the
Opening of others to your presence?
How can I be used in holy ways?
We come together looking for what is real
And also terrified we may find it-
May find You,
Confronter of our assumptions and norms.
I work blindly in the hidden spaces of heart.
You guide me.
May I be wise enough,
Attentive enough,
To listen and follow.
Prayer Phrase
In God, I live and move and have my being.
Spiritual Practice
Breathing in the Spaces
When you move into different spaces throughout your day, consciously place yourself in the new setting with a desire to be alert to God’s presence. Over time, simply taking a deliberate breath will remind you that you are in God’s presence and that you want to be alert to God’s purposes in that setting. When entering the different spaces in your day (workplace, a colleague’s office, a restaurant or place of business, school or places where people meet) pause and take a deliberate breath. When returning home, pause to take a breath. As you take a deep breath, breathe in the goodness of the profound presence and purposes of God in each place you find yourself. Allow yourself to be drawn to people who may be blessed in simple ways by you being aware of them as persons of worth. -adapted from missionalleaders.org
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.
