Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6
Jesus is the way of love, kindness, compassion, justice, patience, nonviolence, forgiveness, reconciliation, healing. To have life means I am in this truth.
Today I will intentionally follow the way of Jesus in all my interactions.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage. Psalm 23:4
At this time in history, we are walking in a dark valley of cosmic panic, trauma, and grief. But we are not alone. The Lord is always with us.
When loud voices bombard us with messages of distress, despair, and doom, we must take time to get quiet and listen deeply in our hearts to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd, the One whose voice calms us and gives us hope and courage.
Today I will remember I am always in the presence of the Good Shepherd. I will remind myself I have nothing to fear.
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Lord, you will show us the path of life. Psalm 16:11a
Throughout the day we have many decisions to make. When we intentionally choose words, actions, behaviors, and thoughts that reflect compassion, kindness, respect, forgiveness, and patience, we walk the way of the Lord.
Today I will keep company with the Lord as I move through the day. I will ask him to open my eyes and heart to follow the path of love.
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
It can be hard to believe that the peace of God is ours, a gift freely bestowed on us. All we have to do is receive it – the peace of kindness, the peace of compassion, the peace of generosity, the peace of deep listening, the peace of forgiveness, the peace of reconciliation, the peace of hope.
Today I surrender to the grace of God’s will that I receive the Lord’s peace in my heart and life. I open my heart and hands to let that peace bless everyone and every situation.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118:24
May the peace, hope, and hush of Easter enter our hearts and bless us today and always.
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My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Psalm 22:2a
In times of grief, distress, and pain when we are brought very low, it may feel like God has abandoned us, but that is not the truth. We are always welcomed into the presence of God, the Presence of tender care and compassion.
Today I will practice the presence of God. I will deliberately pour my heart out to God about anything and everything that troubles or frightens me and know that God listens and will help me.
Thus says the Lord God: I will put my spirit in you that you may live. Ezekiel 37:14
We live with the spirit of God’s open-handed, unconditional love in us to guide us with every decision, every word, every impulse to kindness, generosity, and compassion.
Lord, untie me from the bonds of self-centeredness and self-pity. Let your spirit speak and act through me today that I may be free to be fully alive.
But the Lord said to Samuel,”Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b
God sees each of us with the eyes of unconditional love. God sees the beauty of our human hearts with their wounds and bruises, their compassion and kindness. God sees each of us as we were made: in the image of God’s own goodness and love.
Lord, spiritual blindness prevents me from seeing myself and others with the eyes of God. Heal my fear, arrogance, and self-centeredness that I may see the hearts of all people and not judge by appearance.
[Jesus said,] “Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst.” John 4:14
The water Jesus gives us is unconditional love. A spirit of love. A heart of love. A mind of love. When we receive love, give love, ensure love circulates in our little piece of the world, we will never thirst.
Lord, the thirst for love in our world is so great. Open my heart to receive the water of your love and help me to release that love wherever I am.
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5
Today I will make a quiet space to listen to the Lord speak trust, peace, love, compassion, and forgiveness in my heart.
Lord, we are all your beloved sons and daughters. Help me to treat myself and others with kindness and respect.
Mary Ann McSweeny 