Monday August 21, 2023

Today is Monday, August 21 and we are studying what the Bible says about community.

In the morning I seek quiet moments of solitude and holy silence. I center my whole being on the God who loves me. I hunger and thirst for the sweet presence and blessed companionship of the Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, my soul longs for you. Fill the emptiness of my lonely heart, embrace me in your goodness, take my hand and guide my steps on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

In the morning I praise God with the ancient words of Psalm 133, a Psalm of Ascent.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing,even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3

Pause and Pray

We have been journeying to Jerusalem along with the ancient pilgrims singing the Psalms of Ascent. We are nearing the end of our journey traveling this upward path with other believers. This week’s Psalm is Psalm 133, a song about the blessings of community. We do not make our journey in the Christian life alone, we share the joys and challenges with other travelers along the way. God knows we were created to be in relationship with other people and that those relationships have the capacity to greatly bless us. At the end of his earthly life, Jesus prayed for his disciples and for those who would become disciples down through the centuries.

My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

Jesus’ prayer is for me. His prayer leaps off the pages of scripture, extends across the continents, transcends the barriers of time and speaks to my heart. I am to be one with Christ and my fellow believers. This is not a solitary journey I travel. I walk the well-worn paths of Christianity with a multitude of faithful believers from every time and place. I am to be one with them as God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one. Christ is in me and that unites me with every soul who loves him and believes in him. Unity in Christ is a witness to the world of the truth of Christ.

Ask: How am I connected or disconnected to other Christian believers? When do I recognize Christ in me and Christ in others?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for your prayer from long ago that continues to bless me today. Teach me the value of Christian community and help me discover those who truly love you and believe in you as I do. Bring your unity and peace so that I may be one with you, one with other believers, and we may be one in ministry to all the world. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I continue my spiritual journey studying the Psalms of Ascent, I remember how God loves me and wants to speak into my life. I spend time with God because I trust him. I want to hear his whispers to my soul and endeavor to listen closely. As I ascend the walk of holiness, I go deeper into spiritual relationship with my Lord. I consider the state of my spirit and ponder how these words of Jesus might speak to me at this age and stage of my life. I repeat the word or phrase that stands out to me and record it in my journal. I keep in mind that God may speak to me later throughout my day.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come into my heart and show me where Christian community is lacking. Bring good, faithful people into my life and foster relationships that will mutually bless us. Give me a gentle, humble heart, knowing I need others to walk with me on this pilgrim way. Amen.

May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples. Genesis 28:3

I leave this time of prayer to invest myself in the blessings of Christian community. I join others to share the love of Christ far and wide.

Amen