Tuesday May 23, 2023

Today is Tuesday, May 23 and we are exploring what the Bible says about spiritual pilgrimage.

Each day I begin a pilgrim journey in the company of the Lord my God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I quiet my restless thoughts, center myself in his love and prepare to walk in his presence.

Pause and Pray

Father God, give me a glimpse of your holiness and righteousness. Lord Jesus, reveal the futile inadequacies of the world around me. Holy Spirit, guide me upward on the road toward maturity and grant me grace to travel the well-worn path. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s goodness and praise him with the words of Psalm 86.

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:11-12

Pause and Pray

Disciples are followers of Jesus who are growing in faith and learning the truths and skills of Christianity. Pilgrims are people on a journey, traveling a well-worn path that draws ever closer to holiness. Pilgrims set out for a destination that is nearer to the heart of God. Pilgrims know they do not belong to this world but are merely passing through as they seek to become incrementally more like Christ. What is the “way” to the Father? The night before Jesus was betrayed, Thomas inquires about

“You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” John 14:4-8

To walk the pilgrim way is a spiritual journey not a physical one, however, it requires effort, discipline, obedience and perseverance. There is a “way” to the Father, and Jesus wants to show me that way. There is a “way” that leads to holiness, and the Holy Spirit wants to guide me in that way. There is a “way” to Christian maturity and God wants to teach me to walk that direction. How will I know the way I am supposed to go? Pilgrims learn to read the road signs, find the hidden paths, climb the narrow trails, and press on in the heat of the day.

Ask: How would I describe my current spiritual journey? What might the Holy Spirit want to reveal about the “way” I should go?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, be my compass and guide. Show me the way to the Father, reveal the next steps in my journey, and shepherd my path. I cannot make progress in my own power, but seek the power of the Holy Spirit. Forgive me for being satisfied with the status quo and inspire me to take new strides on the way of holiness. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

“You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” John 14:4-8

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

Jesus explains to Thomas that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the Way – he is the way to salvation, he is the road to holiness, he is the path to peace, he is the avenue to hope, he is the highway that will carry me to the Father. I do know the way – the way is Jesus. Whatever the next steps are in my spiritual journey, Jesus wants to reveal them to me. The Holy Spirit will strengthen my legs, invite me to stand, inspire me to action and energize me to run the race that is set before me. Jesus reveals the Father to me – to show me the glory of Almighty God.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus and shine your light on the path that is set before me, the way to the Father, and the path of life. Let me embark on a journey that will bring me closer to the heart of God and deeper in relationship with you. Fill me with the love, joy and peace that is your presence as I endeavor to walk in the way that leads to life.
Amen.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body. Hebrews 10:19-20

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

I leave this time of prayer preparing to walk the Way of Holiness, I go to encourage and help others as I journey.

Amen