Day 12: Blessing the World
Morning Prayer
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:4-8 (NIV)
God has invited us to join him in his plan to reconcile the whole of creation to himself. Gordon T. Smith in his book, Courage and Calling, suggests that each of us sees the brokenness of the world a little bit differently, and that what we see is an invitation to go with God as a healing agent to that brokenness. This may be mending souls through counseling, caring physically for the broken as a nurse, challenging the system as an activist, or speaking truth into situations through art. The important thing is paying attention to how God is inviting us to partner with him to bring healing and reconciliation.
Sit with God this morning, and ask:
What gifts, creativity and longing for the wholeness of creation has God given you throughout your life?
How might God invite you to offer these things to him for the sake of the world?
What does this look like for you in the situation where you are now?
Now think with God about a few people who are close to you. What gifts, creativity and passion can you see in them? Take some time today to encourage these people about the value of their gifts.
***
Midday Reflection
Ever-present Spirit,
who is always working to redeem all things to yourself,
call us to remember that you are present throughout the world,
that we would not miss your beauty and redeeming work,
but find you active, healing and calling all people to join in your loving work,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with you and the Father are as close as our own breath.
Amen.
When God meets culture
Written by Jenny Walley
Read Acts 17:16-28.
Where might you find the altar to the “unknown God” in your culture?Choose one of the following aspects of culture:
Film or TV show
Popular music
Pop-culture magazine
Spend at least 15-20 minutes intentionally watching, listening or reading while paying attention to the underlying cultural narrative.
Next, reflect for 10-15 minutes on the following questions. If you’re with someone else, reflect together.
What do you see, hear, feel?
What do you notice?
What are the dominant attitudes, worldview, or cultural traits you see reflected in it?
How would you describe the tone or attitude of the piece?
What underlying questions are being raised?
What redemptive elements do you see?
Listen to the song, watch the show, or look at the magazine again. Ask God what he sees, hears, and thinks about it.
Is there anything he wants to say to you through it?
In the same way Paul used the altar to the “unknown God” and a piece of poetry to connect with the people of Athens, how could God reveal something of himself through the questions that are being asked?
***
An evening prayer of examen on the day
Each evening before going to bed, take some time to sit with God, reviewing the day and considering the following questions:
What has been good today?
Take some time to write down everything you are thankful for...the taste of your morning coffee, something that made you laugh, a conversation you had, something you read, anything. Thank God for these moments.
What has been hard?
When did you feel disconnected? What feelings came up that were uncomfortable? What unresolved thoughts do you have? What anxieties, fears or worries did you encounter? Speak these out to God, and listen for what he might say to you about them.
Ask God to show you how he was with you in the good and the hard today. Thank him for His presence and receive His grace.
What does it look like to trust him for tomorrow?