Today’s Reflection
As a mystic, [Howard] Thurman understood that the inner life, the contemplative life, was key to obtaining the spiritual freedom needed to do the outer work of justice.
… In many majority white churches, pastors are criticized for social-justice sermons, while in groups organized around social action, spirituality is often dismissed as navel-gazing or narcissism. However, as Thurman teaches us, neither position is the one put forward by Jesus. Rather, a deep listening to Jesus draws us both into our selves and onto the streets. Jesus listened to both his Father and the cry of people with leprosy who were discarded by society. In doing so, Jesus is not following two calls—one to God and one to those in need—but a single call that says, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40).
—Daniel Wolpert, Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices, 20th Anniversary Revised Edition (Upper Room Books, 2023)
Today’s Question
How much time do you typically spend in “deep listening” to Jesus? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Now as they went on their way, [Jesus] entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him.She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to what he was saying. … Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
—Luke 10:38-39, 40-42
Prayer for the Week
Holy God, help me to spend time each day focusing on you. Guide me as I try different ways of praying, and help me to grow ever closer to you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Creating a Life with God is celebrating its 20th anniversary with this revised and updated release. Over the past 20 years, author Daniel Wolpert has inspired many to reflect on a life of prayer and what it means to be intentional about creating daily life with God. In this edition, two new chapters ask how we can use the practice of prayer to engage a world in crisis. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
Thoughtful questions and a book I may check into more thoroughly this week. I have been so busy, I’ve only commented once or twice, but several things to study on. Seems this week’s questions call us to to listen to God: listen for God’s voice and do what God leads us to do. the old practices put great emphasis on sitting in God’s presence and listening. In the times when I’ve heard God speak, it has been when I meditate on the scriptures and then listen for God. I definitely need to listen more.
Haven’t heard from Robert this week. Praying all is well.
I’d like to think I listen quite a bit. I would love to know God’s answer to this question regarding me.
Church was good this morning. The pastor ended his sermon saying…”I feel like I have been ending my sermons the same way for several weeks now – 2 things, trust God and live faithfully.” If I can consistently do those two things, I feel like God would be smiling and that I would be listening well.
Watching the US Open, doing some school work and some reading. Have picked up the new book by Dr. W. Lee Warren…”Hope is the First Dose”. His previous book came out about a month prior to mom’s cancer coming back. It was a lifeline for me. This one is proving excellent as well. Glad I have time today and tomorrow to dig into it.
Yesterday – the celebration of life service was very emotional for dad. The first song had him in tears. I am so undone by his continued deep sorrow. I wish it wasn’t so near to the surface for him, but maybe that is an unrealistic expectation on my part. The group of people still alive from mom and dad’s circle of friends from their long time church continues to shrink. And like a herd of cattle, they migrate from one funeral service to another. I was able to see my mom’s close close friend – it was good for both of us. I missed the last funeral, as I was still getting over covid. She is spending a fair amount of time in the Carolinas with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She lost her husband 2 months after mom died.
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