Tuesday October 6, 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)

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:14-16

Every part of the body has a job to do. The various parts work together so the body grows up healthy. Speaking the truth in love is a way for all the members to help one another mature and function properly. If I’m really a hand but think I’m the heart, then I need to be gently and clearly corrected and helped so I fulfill the function I was made for. It’s not just my life that is affected, but the life of the entire body. If I don’t function properly or I’m mistaken as to the part I’m supposed to play then I prevent the Body of Christ from being as healthy as she could be.

Many members have spiritual gifts but live in pursuit of that which they don’t have. Speaking the truth in love involves encouraging members to develop and advance in the gifting God has given instead of chasing what isn’t meant to be.

What part of the body are you? What are the gifts God has given you? Are you maturing in your gifts and using them to build up others? Where can you allow God to help you improve? Speak the truth in love to yourself.

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)