By Stassi Cramm, member of the First Presidency

These are the things that you shall do: speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace…

[Adapted from Sermon and Class Helps Year B, Herald Publishing House, 2017, p. 71]

We live in a busy world where there are many demands for our attention. In our busy-ness, we become tired, discouraged, misguided, and lost. God is always calling our names, trying to keep us on track, providing support and encouragement, and inviting us into relationship with him and others of the faith community.

Mission begins when we encounter the Divine. Mission is relational—our encounters with God draw us into relationship with the Divine and then with others. Genuine relationships with God and one another provide the foundation for journeying together in discernment and mission. To be able to hear Christ’s voice both individually and collectively, we need to create opportunities for encounter and relationship building. Shared spiritual practices within the body help “the flock” stay connected with one another and the shepherd.

Too often we see spiritual formation as something private and individual. However, there is a communal nature to discipleship and discernment. When we work together to hear Christ’s voice, we are better able to discover God’s purposes for the Earth and our part as a community to help bring about God’s vision of shalom. Shared spiritual practices provide discipline to our communal centering and listening.

Hearing Christ’s voice disrupts our lives. We recognize opportunities around us where we can help resolve injustice and brokenness. We are drawn—individually and collectively— out of our routines and comfort zones and into Christ’s mission. Jesus, our model of the good shepherd, sends us to be the good shepherd for others.

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.