Patience
Our Scripture reading today talks of endurance. Endurance, patience under suffering. James also makes it clear that temptations to do wrong don’t come from God, but rather from our own evil desires. God’s desire is that we do good.
We need to be aware of the actions of the Good Spirit and the bad spirit in our lives.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: Ask for the grace of discernment so that I may be clear what are God’s desires for me.
Setting: A Scripture reading to ponder – Lectio Divina.
Scripture
James 1:12-18 NRSVACE
Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved.
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfilment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Till the Storm Passes By, sung by Blue Rock Mennonite Youth written by Moise Lister