By Madelon Brunson of Independence, Missouri USA
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.
Eternal and everlasting Creator, we celebrate the opportunity for renewal which each new day brings. We acknowledge you as the source of this newness. Our growth occurs so slowly, God, and we are thankful that your Spirit encourages us forward patiently. When we falter you thunder through us with your love, and our commitment is renewed.
We do not understand your unconditional love—help us accept it. We do not understand the profound depth of your caring—help us receive it. We do not understand the breadth of your nurturing and healing power—help us experience it. We do not understand the pervasive nature of your Spirit which moves within us, around us, and among us—help us to respond to it.
But we do not need to understand these mysteries—we need only accept—receive—experience—respond.
We seek to be open to your power as it grasps us, that we may perceive our calling. Dissolve the barriers which separate us from you and from each other so our communion is deepened and we may receive new insights for existing possibilities. Amen.
Reflection Question
In what ways can generosity be a response to God's unconditional love—not because it is fully understood, but because it has been experienced?
Prayer Phrase
“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
The Open Hands Prayer
Sit with your hands resting on your lap, palms up. Close your eyes. Silently reflect: What have I been tightly holding on to? What is mine to give today? As you inhale, imagine receiving God’s abundant grace. As you exhale, open your hands more fully and say: “Freely I have received, freely I give.” End by asking God to show you one person, act, or place where you can respond with generosity today.
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.