After the earthquake there was fire—
but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.
1 Kings 19:12-13a
God’s presence is not known in violence or destruction. God’s presence is known in the whisper of kindness, the gentle touch of compassion, the peace of welcome.
Today I will listen to the love in my heart.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here.” Matthew 17:4a
It is good to be here in this beautiful world of God’s creation.
It is good to be here with people who love me and people I love.
It is good to be here to help myself and others transform indifference, resentment, trauma, grief, and fear into welcome, forgiveness, healing, acceptance, and love.
It is good to be here knowing I am always in the presence of the Lord.
Today I will let God’s love transfigure me. I will look for the good in each moment, in myself, and in all people everywhere.
“O Lord, my God… give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart.” 1 Kings 3:9
To open my heart to receive God’s treasure of compassion and understanding is to welcome God’s kingdom within me.
Today I will listen with an open heart of compassion when others speak.
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And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are righteous must be kind. Wisdom 12:19
Today I will grow God’s kingdom of love and kindness by intentionally welcoming everyone with a pleasant greeting and smile.
Jesus said “But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” Matthew 13:23
The word I hear from the Lord is love. I understand love grows from many different seeds: Respect. Kindness. Welcome. Compassion. Encouragement. Attentiveness. Forgiveness. Reconciliation. Peace.
Today I will sow seeds of love wherever I am.
Jesus said “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Yoked to Jesus, I rest from the anxieties, worries, biases, prejudices, and injustice that flow in and around me. Yoked to Jesus, I let go of the burden of needing to have all the answers. Yoked to Jesus, I learn to be humble and teachable, and I move in the light and grace of the Lord’s unending love.
Today I will yoke myself to Jesus in gratitude and treat all people with mercy, compassion, and kindness.
Jesus said to his apostles, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40
May I never ignore or reject anyone. When I welcome you, I welcome God.
Today I will receive all people with kindness and reverence. I will remember to look for God in everyone.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
God cares about us. God watches over us. God is with us through times of distress, grief, and persecution. God’s grace overflows into our hearts to give us the courage and faith we need in every moment. We have nothing to fear.
Today I will pray to the Lord for guidance in every situation and know that he will answer me with kindness and compassion.
At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
When we feel lost and abandoned, troubled and anxious, we need to remember the Lord is our shepherd. He always welcomes us into his heart of compassion and gives us peace.
Today I will receive the Lord’s gift of love and peace with gratitude, and I will freely give to others what I receive from the Lord.
“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 