Though I am afflicted and poor,
yet the LORD thinks of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, hold not back! Psalm 40:18
With an open, broken heart, I ask the Lord for help and receive it.
Lord, today I will remember you are here. I am not alone. I will remember to keep you in the center of my life and suffering.
Jesus said to his disciples: “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Luke 12:34
Today my heart feels bruised and broken. When I look for the treasure in that woundedness, I see Jesus, the One who understands suffering and heals it with love. I know I have nothing to fear.
Lord, today I will treasure my wounds and remember they unite me with you.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:11
We are the body of Christ. Christ in you. Christ in me. Christ in those I have a hard time accepting. Christ in those who resent me. Christ in our hearts, minds, bodies, spirits. Christ in all. All in Christ.
Lord, today I will let go of the Christ in me to bless everyone I meet wherever I go.
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.
Mary Ann McSweeny 