By Richard James, Council of Twelve Apostles

Let the church be admonished that the times are portentous and demand faithful adherence to the faith and work of the church, that mankind may be blessed by and find peace in those religiously social reforms and relationships which have been divinely imposed as a great task of achievement.

I love the ocean. I love to see the waves as they gently lap on the shore or pound onto the rocks. I love to hear the gentle ebb and flow of the sea or the roar of the waves as they collide with the seemingly immovable coastline. There is a rhythm there that pulls me away from frantic life and resets my life balance. I connect with God.

So it was no surprise that when a colleague and I were overlooking the ocean and engaging in the spiritual practice of Dwelling in the Word, our attentiveness to God was heightened. Our rhythm was “reset.” We reflected on a text from Matthew 22:9–10, “Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet. Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.”

We shared what words or phrases were drawing us into the passage. As we engaged more deeply in the text, it was clear that invitation to the banquet was important. Then we realized that sometimes we invite the wrong people! While we recognized that all are invited to the banquet, we could now see that the nameless, the unloved, and the powerless are really invited. They cannot return the favor, so give generously and do not expect anything in return.

Where are the places that help to reset your rhythm and restore your life balance? When you go there, pay attention to what God is inviting you to do. What we learn can sometimes change our understanding and outlook on life. We can see the world around us with new eyes. Do everything in love and do not expect anything in return. Live generously.

Reflection Question

How do we overcome the tendency to give only when we are asked or expected to do so?

Prayer Phrase

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Blessing Walk

As you walk slowly and mindfully around your neighborhood, yard, or house, look around with attentiveness. For every person you see, silently offer a blessing: “May you be surrounded by love.” For places you pass—homes, businesses, churches, shelters—offer a quiet prayer of gratitude or intercession. If walking indoors or unable to move freely, do a “blessing walk” in your mind—imagining those you love or your community and lifting each one in prayer.

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.