Welcoming the Holy

Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God. 

God surrounds us with Love

Opening Prayer

 O my Beloved, You have searched me and know me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my innermost thoughts. You find me on the journey and guide my steps; You know my strengths and my weaknesses. You encompass me with love where’er I go, and your strength is my shield. Such sensitivity is too wonderful for me; it is high; boundless gratitude is my soul’s response.  Psalm 139 ( Nan Merrill) selected verses 

Reading  

God is rich in mercy, and because of God’s great love for us, God brought us to life with Christ when we were dead because of our sins; For it is by grace that you are saved through faith; it is not your own doing. It is God’s gift, not a reward for work done. There is nothing for anyone to boast of; we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus for the life of good deeds which God designed for us.  from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 2: 4 ff 
 

Reflection Questions

When do I experience this loving God at the center of my being, filling me with love and consolation?
Do I recognize this experience as “grace,” a share in the very life of the Holy One? What would help me to do this?
 

Closing Prayer 

Holy God, Creator of the universe and Source of love in our world, make me more deeply aware of your life in me so that I may touch the world, even my small part of it, with the love that comes from you. I ask this with gratitude for the gift of Jesus, who shows me the way. Keep me safe in your care and watch over our world, transforming the pain and suffering experienced by so many into peace and healing. In Jesus name, I ask this. AMEN.