Friday October 30, 2020

Begin this new day by praying this prayer out loud. As you are able, consider kneeling as a physical expression of your commitment to Jesus as Lord of your life and the one you desire to lead you this day. Alternatively, you might consider placing a hand over your heart as you pray this prayer.

Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You,
always follow Your plans,
and perfectly accomplish Your Holy Will.
Grant that in all things, great and small,
today and all the days of my life,
I may do whatever You require of me.
Help me respond to the slightest prompting of Your Grace,
so that I may be Your trustworthy instrument for Your honor.
May Your Will be done in time and in eternity by me,
in me, and through me. Amen.
— (St. Teresa of Avila, 16th century Carmelite nun)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32

What have you subtracted or added to your life since you professed your faith in Jesus? Being a Christ-follower is not just a matter of subtraction or addition. It is both. Here is Paul’s formula for being a Christ-follower:

• Subtract unwholesome talk or conversations
• Subtract bitterness
• Subtract raging temper fits and anger
• Subtract shouting slander
• Subtract evil intentions
• Add helpful words that build up others as their needs require
• Add building community among people and kindness toward all
• Add compassion for others and forgiveness as we have been forgiven by God

Have you done the math lately? What was the sum of your Holy math yesterday? What is the score since becoming a Christ-follower?

This is a Holy math assignment that we never finish until we stand before God. Take heart, my friends, we have an incredible tutor in Jesus, a forgiving grader in God, and the ultimate reference in the Holy Spirit.

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Oh God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servants. For Your sake, O Lord, look with favor on this dry and thirsty land. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. O Lord, listen! Oh Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your name. (Daniel 9:17-19)