He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
[Excerpted from Living the Mission Prayer as Way of Life, Herald House, 2022, pp. 25–26]
In western societies we have often placed significant emphasis on reflection before action. According to Maria Cimperman in her book Social Analysis in the 21st Century, “in action and reflection we are ultimately contemplative in action, reflective persons working together in solidarity to bring about the just world we are offered in peace, hope, and love.” Cimperman is suggesting there is a more holistic way of missional engagement that integrates reflection alongside action.
For example, I feel moved to respond to an encounter with a homeless person on a cold winter night in my city. I decide to help by paying for a hotel room. I can see the direct impact of my love in action and feel good about my decision. The next night I reflect on my experience with a small spiritual formation group I attend weekly. After I share my experience, a group member asks what I learned from the experience.
As I reflect deeper on the experience, I recognize I am unsettled about what will happen to this person tonight. I am uncertain about what I can really do and share my discomfort with the group. We discuss what it would look like to find a longer-term solution to this person’s problem of homelessness. We also discuss the larger systemic problem of homelessness in our city that requires a long-term commitment to work for change. Although I am still troubled by the situation, I feel the support of my friends in Christ.
What might my next faithful step look like? Is there a next step I can take as a result of what I have learned? A group member suggests locating a homeless shelter and helping this person get accepted as an interim step.
This example illustrates how pausing to reflect and ask simple questions helps us avoid paralysis by the magnitude of situations we encounter. Coming together for reflective conversation about our ongoing experiences is at the heart of authentic and loving Christ-centered community.
Prayer Phrase
“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Sea of Light
Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine that you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love, then offer a prayer of gratitude.
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.