Today’s Reflection
WE ARE CALLED to pray not because we feel like praying or because it gives us good insights, but simply because we want to be obedient, to listen to the voice that calls us the beloved.
- Henri J. M. Nouwen
A Spirituality of Living
From page 27 of A Spirituality of Living by Henri J. M. Nouwen, from The Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series, John S. Mogabgab, Series Editor. Copyright © 2011 The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Find a time for silence to listen to God’s call for you to pray. Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16, NRSV
This Week: pray for public servants. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section below.
Did You Know?
CONNECT, LEARN, and GROW with eCourses and eRetreats from The Upper Room. Online courses and retreats featuring Upper Room authors and resources are updated regularly. Our fall calendar includes Companions in Christ training, Retirement Matters, Questions God Asks Us, Learning to Pray and more. Find more information here: www.myUpperRoom.org
Saints, Inc.:
This week we remember Clare of Assisi (August 11).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries ®. Copyright © 2012, a ministry of GBOD | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Most certainly our elected officials and those running for public office need our prayer. God’s wisdom and guidance is necessary for all and those who make decisions and pass laws that affect our lives really need God’s help. Lord I ask for your wisdom too that when election day comes you will guide us to make the right choice for only you know what is best.
Help me and all believers to listen to you for from you we receive the best guidance, thank you, Lord.
Prayer and time of quiet is so needed in my life. It is when I settle myself down before God…in thanksgiving, in confession, in acceptance, in renewal. His omnipresence is a gift I treasure.
Father, you know this isn’t something that comes naturally to me. My faith is strong but for some reason I neglect to spend focused time in prayer with you. I resolve to make a stronger effort. Amen
Not once in this quote does Nouwen mention speaking. Or asking. Or wanting.
Only listening.
Lord God, your greatness and grandeur leave me slack-jawed with awe. But what I need, what my heart desires even more deeply, is time when you are not “out there,” but when you wander in >here< and make your presence felt in my heart.
Today began with just such time. When it felt almost as though I was unable to talk– only listen. And I am so grateful.
In the midst of these days of shrill, strident voices clamoring to be heard, demanding our attention, it is vital that we do stop and seek your voice, your guidance– your will. Help us not to be swayed by volume or talk. Come Holy Spirit. Revive us again. Amen.