By Michael Botts of Hannover, Germany

I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.

The composer Gustav Mahler said, “Tradition is not preserving the ashes, but passing on the flame.” This quote is true for disciples of Jesus Christ. We should be in the forefront of passing on the flame of God’s love. We should continually be trying to bring the good news and help people do and be their best.

I see the church being less a preserver and more a transformer. This was Jesus’ role with those he touched. I love the story of Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1–11). Her fate was clear.

Caught in the act, there was no question of what to expect. The Mosaic Law would have had her stoned. The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus. If Jesus had been a preserver, the woman probably would have lost her life. But Jesus was a transformer, a bringer of good news. His message to the woman was about God’s grace for her. He said, “I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Jesus transformed the woman by offering her the good news of God’s love and acceptance.

That is what our name, Community of Christ, is about. We bring the good news of Christ to others. We spread the story of God’s love for creation. When we open ourselves to God’s transforming grace, we are being transformers and passing on the flame.

There are many people who have passed the flame from their lives to mine, and who have helped transform me. I hope and pray I will be able to bring the good news to the lives of others, too.

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.