[vc_single_image image=”10523″ img_size=”700×400″ alignment=”center”]We are gentle and we are [honest]* with one another, for we know both God’s kindness and God’s [honesty]. The more we learn to allow others to speak the Word to us, and accept humbly and gratefully even [honest] reproaches and admonitions, more free and objective will we be in speaking of ourselves… The touchy person will always become a flatterer and very soon will come to despise and slander [one’s] brother. But the humble person will stick both to truth and to love. *German Schwer = severe, honest, direct, no-holds-barred. From Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer[special_heading title=”Second Week of Lent” subtitle=”” separator=”yes”]
Scripture
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:103-105
Reflection
(from 40 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Ron Klug—editor)
There are three things for which the Christian needs a regular time alone during the day: meditation on the Scripture, prayer and intercession…
In our meditation we read the text given to us on the strength of the promise that it has something quite personal to say to us for this day and for our standing as Christians—it is not only God’s Word for the community of faith but also God’s Word for me personally … We are reading the Word of God as God’s Word for us. Therefore, we do not ask what this text has to say to other people.
Questions
How might reading the Word of God for ourselves, rather than for someone else lead to spiritual transformation?
Reflect on when or how often you make time for prayer and meditation. Do you find enough time for these things?
Think about a time that prayer and meditation has made a difference for you. How has it changed the way you are in a relationship or a situation?
Prayer
Lord, draw me to your living Word and let it be for me food for the journey. AMEN