By Diane Maupin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, USA

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

I have never been comfortable feeling vulnerable. I have viewed vulnerability as a weakness, an admission that I am not in control, that I can’t handle the situation I’m in. To me, it has meant that I am open to criticism, to introspection that might make me uncomfortable.

In this scripture passage from 1 Corinthians, however, Paul admits that in his weakness, God assured him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Rather than hiding his weakness or rationalizing his behavior, he owns them, and professes that in his weakness, he is closer to God.

I am an avid reader, and one book series I have enjoyed features a lead character who is head of the Sûreté du Québec, the provincial police force. A humble man and a great leader, he tells all his recruits there are four statements that lead to wisdom: I was wrong. I’m sorry. I don’t know. I need help.*

For me, those short sentences are more difficult to say than the finest sermon or class presentation. They make me vulnerable and own up to my weaknesses. They require me to accept God’s grace and understand that my weakness doesn’t make me less of a person. My weakness allows God to work in me and through me. We are called to accept the grace that God offers that our lives might be more perfectly attuned to God’s purposes for us.

*Louise Penny, Still Life, Minotaur Books, 2008.

Prayer Phrase

“For by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8).

Spiritual Practice

The Jesus Prayer of Mercy

The Jesus Prayer is an ancient spiritual practice from Orthodox Christianity. It is a way of connecting with the gracious Spirit of Christ as we ask to receive his mercy. The prayer comes from the scripture of the blind man calling Jesus to heal him. Silently enter prayer and let your breath become slow and even. Greet God and then take up the prayer phrase: Lord, Jesus Christ (as you breathe in) … have mercy on me (as you breathe out). Prayerfully repeat these words for several minutes (or forty times). Breathe the presence of Christ into your mind, heart, and body. Be transformed as you receive the compassionate, peaceful heart of Jesus.

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.