By Esther Steward of Lamoni, Iowa, USA

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

God’s Spirit touches my senses, my heart, and my mind.

How? Sometimes I feel a gentle, peaceful sensation, or a warm, comforting feeling washes over my entire body. Sometimes I feel a new energy, strength, or outlook on life, or I gain a new insight. I often feel God’s Spirit while among God’s creations. Driving through my neighborhood, I see all the beauty, creativity, and brilliant colors of the flowers, birds, trees, sky, and landscapes.

Shopping in the grocery market, I slowly breathe in the smells of delicious food aromas and sample tastes of mouth-watering new dishes!

Working in my home, I touch many different surfaces, textures, and fabrics.

While jogging, I hear the gentle bubbling of a stream and then the louder, more persistent splashing of a waterfall.

My heart and mind are open to receiving leadings from the Spirit throughout the day. In my daily life, I feel God’s Spirit all around me—outside, while shopping, while working in my home, and when exercising. God’s Spirit is always with me.

God’s Spirit touches my senses, my heart, and my mind.

Prayer Phrase

“We, who are many, are one body in Christ” (Romans 12:5).

Spiritual Practice

Spiritual Learning

Meditate on a time when you learned about community from someone who took you in, fed you, taught you, shared stories and wisdom with you. What did you learn? Prayerfully create a list of qualities you need to learn from spiritual mentors and friends. Then write the names of people who serve as teachers, models, coaches, or encouragers in your life as a disciple. Offer a prayer of gratitude and blessing for these spiritual “relatives” and friends.

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.