I heard the lyrics to the song; I Will Always Love You, the other day. “…I hope life treats you kind, and I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of, and I wish you joy and happiness, but above all this I wish you love…” As I continue to guide others in the ministry of spiritual direction, I have felt this way many times toward those who have crossed my path in the past few years. It always amazes me when people open up and share with me deeply in just one meeting together. Thank you to those of you who have shared your life stories with me. In the silence, I am holding you in my heart today…
I work out in the deep water. From far away on shore, it might look easy. Jesus didn’t promise an easy path. (LK5:1-11) As I help others come farther out into the deep, resistance often strains them away. I have to let go again, and I pray that God will guide them. In the deep, it is evident God is helping me, because I couldn’t stay out here otherwise. What resistance keeps you from heading out into the deep?
In the silence, pray for perseverance when the water seems to overtake you…
Today I hear birds chirping, cars whizzing by, an airplane, and a frog. I am enjoying the sounds and thankful for my gift of hearing. Even in the silence I can hear.
What are you grateful to listen to?
In the silence, consider what you hear…
…You, LORD, are just in all your ways, faithful in all your works. You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth. You satisfy the desire of those who fear you; you hear their cry and save them. You, LORD, watch over all who love you, but all the wicked you destroy. My mouth will speak your praises, LORD; all flesh will bless your holy name forever ~ PS145
In the silence, praise God with the psalm of your heart…
Prayer in community with like minded people is important. God created us to be in community.
Do you pray in community?
What group of people support and encourage you in your prayer?
In the silence, pray with a community of believers…
“I tell you; in just the same way there will be more Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” Luke 15:7 Going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a humbling experience. Grace abounds on us when we turn to God in repentance. Is there something that is keeping you from God?
In the silence, let God’s grace heal you…
Sometimes I go through struggles with feeling like I am a failure. All evidence would prove otherwise. I am aware that this happens to me at times, so when I start to feel like I am a failure, I pray more. I am weak. I know where to go when I have these kinds of thoughts and feelings ~ straight to God. What are the struggles you are dealing with?
In the silence, turn to God for help…
A few years ago I went on a retreat with some friends. A Priest who was giving a talk started saying, “God delights in you.” He knew that we weren’t getting it, and he started yelling, “God delights in you!” over and over again. I can still hear his voice yelling it to me. I got it! God does delight in me! My prayer for you today is that you recognize in the deepest place within yourself that God delights in you.
In the silence, delight in God delighting in you…
I am blessed to have some fantastic friends. Friends help me along the way. We are not created to go it alone. Reach out to a buddy today.
Is there someone you know who needs a companion?
In the silence, be friendly…
Are you anxious and busy? It’s time for a break.
It’s time to take a pause and contemplate peace.
When was the last time you felt peaceful?
In the silence, recall a touchstone of God’s peace and savor it…
