Wednesday October 7, 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

Paul calls believers to mature in their faith as individuals, and also as a Christian community. Why are both important? Because the two support each other. A maturing individual teaches and leads others to grow in their faith. And a community that is growing spiritually, fosters individual spiritual growth as well. The depths of mature Christian living is realized within relationships, not in isolation. The fullness of the body of Christ is attained in the maturity of its members.

A spiritually strong community of faith protects its members from “cunning,” “craftiness,” and “deceitful scheming.” We need each other to grow in our faith and in our love.

What are you doing today that will help you grow your faith? How are you participating in the growth of your faith community? What do you think Paul means by cunning, craftiness and deceitful scheming?

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)