May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
[Excerpted from President Steve Veazey’s closing remarks at the 2023 World Conference]
Sometimes we make it too complicated! The inner journey of knowing ourselves and God and the outward journey of enacting God’s love and justice can be embodied by individuals or groups anywhere as naturally as breathing in and out.
Of course, spiritual journeys—whether individual or communal—are not so much about final arrivals as they are ongoing movements.
Asking questions is faithfulness because we genuinely are seeking God’s guidance all the time. However, discernment of any type is not a time to pause or take a “wait-and-see” attitude before engaging in ministry. Often, insights come as we respond and reflect on our ministry experience.
Continuing Revelation provides guidance for the church and offers assurance that we are headed in the right direction, or it spiritually nudges us to get us back on track. Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a affirms that “we are poised to fulfill God’s ultimate vision for the church.”
Poised means that the capacity to answer God’s call is present within all of us, yearning to be fully released. From this and other passages, we see that Community of Christ has a hopeful future of continuing adventure with God, if we choose it! But make no mistake, choosing the future God envisions will require discernment, courage, sacrifice, generosity, flexibility, and creativity!
Our courageous journey is one of continuous formation in Christ expressed through sacred community that is Christ’s light, leaven, and salt in the world (Matthew 5:13–16, Luke 13:20–21 NRSV).
Many types and degrees of community in the world serve their purposes. We are called to courageously walk with Jesus Christ and, in the process, become sacred community through which Christ is revealed. That is what it means to be Community OF Christ!
Prayer Phrase
“…he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love” (Lamentations 3:32).
Spiritual Practice
Tears of Compassion
Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds, or voices; feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.
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.