Jesus said, “For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:10
Knock at the door of your heart. Seek the presence of the Lord in the goodness and love you find there. Confide your inmost longings to this holy presence and ask for whatever you need.
Lord, today I will trust that you are here in my heart, in the heart of my neighbor, in every bit of creation. I will seek your loving presence with every breath.
LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?
Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor.
Psalm 15: 1, 3
Today may my words be respectful and encouraging. May my actions be kind and helpful. May I recognize God in everyone I meet and may I treat all people with reverence.
Lord, today I will sit, stand, walk, and serve beside you. Teach me your way of peace and love.
Jesus replied, “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”
The scholar of the law answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37
I am not here to decide who is my neighbor, but rather to approach all of God’s people as a compassionate neighbor.
Lord, you have made me in the image of your love and goodness. May I always be aware that the people I meet are also your precious children. Help me to be a kind and compassionate neighbor to everyone I encounter.
The Lord said, “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.'” Luke 10:5
We are called by the Lord to be peace carriers. That is our mission and our privilege.
Lord, fill me with your peace that I may bless everyone I meet with peace.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5:14
Today I will intentionally seek ways to love my neighbor as myself. I will start this practice by encouraging, understanding, welcoming, and comforting myself and others.
Lord, help me to be love in my corner of the world.
Jesus said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” Luke 9:13a
Today I will remember I am always being fed by God’s patience, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and peace. I will give this same food to everyone I encounter.
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Thus says the wisdom of God: “I found delight in the human race.” Proverbs 8:31
Let us dare to step into the heart-energy of the unity of the Holy Trinity.
Then will we know God’s love heals everything, especially the dis-ease that continues to divide our world.
Then will we understand the importance of our practice of respect, courtesy, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and peace.
Then will we find delight in our family, friends, and neighbors.
Lord, you have poured your love into our hearts. May I delight in your gift of love and recognize it in all people everywhere.
Jesus said, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” John 14:26
With each breath, we are one with God’s Holy Spirit.
With each breath, we hear the Holy Spirit teach us everything about kindness, respect, compassion, gentleness, justice, and generosity.
With each breath, we listen to the Holy Spirit’s reminder that Jesus has told us to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves, and to forgive those who have hurt us.
Lord, love comes in many forms of service. May I be guided today by your Holy Spirit as I use my gifts and talents to bless our fragile world with love and goodness.
Jesus prayed, “… that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one.” John 17:22-23
The power of “we” is the power of unity.
When we make the decision to unify our minds and hearts in peace, in respect for each other, in kindness and generosity towards each other… when we let go of selfishness and greed, fear and blame, the desire for power and recognition… our behaviors, attitudes, and actions will begin to reflect deep love and compassion for all of God’s people.
Lord, may the love with which you love each of your human children be in me today. Show me how to make known your healing presence in this time of sorrow and brokenness.
[Jesus said,] “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27c
Every day brings events and situations that tempt me to let my heart be troubled and afraid.
Today I will remember I have a choice: I can let the temptation to be afraid overtake me, or I can trust in the Lord’s peace and refuse fear. The Holy Spirit will remind me and teach me how to choose peace.
Lord, lead me not into the temptation of fear. Open my heart to accept your peace.
Mary Ann McSweeny 