Today’s Reflection
SPIRITUALITY IS A SLIPPERY WORD. … For those whose daily lives revolve around frantic timetables of … getting children to school on time, holding down a stressful eight-to-five job, … spirituality sounds strange and impractical. It suggests another world of inactivity, passivity, and uninterrupted silences. For those whose life experiences have been scarred by suffering and oppression, the term often suggests escapism, indifference, and uninvolvement. Indeed, spirituality needs definition. Spirituality is being intentional about the development of those convictions, attitudes, and actions through which the Christ-following life is shaped and given personal expression in our everyday lives.
– Trevor Hudson and Stephen D. Bryant
The Way of Transforming Discipleship
From page 15 of The Way of Transforming Discipleship by Trevor Hudson and Stephen D. Bryant. Copyright © 2005 by Upper Room Books. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What can you do to make spirituality more a part of your everyday life? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
Psalm 98:5, NRSV
This Week: pray growth of body, mind, and spirit. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Athanasius (May 1).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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9 Comments
Being more intentional throughout the day to slip into prayer, even momentarily. It seems I have been consumed with praying for my parents, for mercy and strength. I will steal a look at the clock at school during a moment when I am not instructing and try to imagine what they are doing, and offer up a prayer. These moments used to be prayers for others…I guess they still are…my most important “others”.
Not only did dad get to go golfing on a beautiful 80 degree day yesterday, but when he came home – mom was dressed. Not an insignificant thing…as she had been in bed all day, everyday – except for the oncologist appointment Monday. Dad was practically walking on air and their grandson stopped by for a brief visit as well. It is good to rejoice in the little things and then, realize, they are not really that little. Big or small – gratitude must be acknowledged before Our Father.
I agree a definition of spirituality is needed. I like the definition given today. I should try to define it myself. I think that would be a learning experience.
Thankful for the blessings of yesterday for Gloria and Larry and that you, Jill, were able to share them with us.
Praying for others is a habit I think most, if not all, of us practice. Thank You,
Lord. Very necessary.
It was warm, low 80s, here yesterday, had the window open during the day and through the night.
Thankful Anneliese has a new tenant upstairs, the move seems to have gone well. it is a blessing to have someone there who will also help with yard and house work. Having company at night is good. Anneliese has PM on the 13th.
That too is very needed. Am not sure if it is with her long time doctor or someone new.
Blessings to all of you, have a wonderful day.
I have never thought of trying to define something as personal as spirituality. I believe it is different for each person. Like any aspect of a relationship, the manner by which that relationship is expressed is different for each individual. My relationship with God is different from any other person’s and is expressed in a manner different from any other’s relationship with God or my relationsip with another person.
Prayers of thanks for Gloria and Larry’s monumental accomplishments yesterday.
Prayers of thanks for Anneliese’s new tenant and upcoming medical care.
Blessings and prayers for and thank you to all of the UR family
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.
John Wesley
I agree, Julie, with the individuality aspect of spirituality. Yes, indeed each person’s relationship with God is different. God knows each one of us more intimately than anyone else. That’s what makes the relationship so special.
Thanks for your prayers for Anneliese and me. Prayers for your hands, foot, daughter, and well being. From a human point of view it could be hard to add the “husband”, but from a Christian point of view praying for him is necessary.
It took me many years, I’m guessing at least 60+ before I heard those words of John Wesley. I think that is odd since I have been going to Methodist churches for the great majority of my church going. Growing up I heard more about Luther than Wesley.
Blessings to all the UR family.
John Wesley is so right. “Do all the good you can……as long as you can”. I am a “Methodist Girl” through and through, but enjoy any teachings that bring us closer to God.
To be immersed in prayer for parents is a good thing. My parents are no longer here, but I had perfect ones and oh, how I prayed. Also for my husband’s parents, and my children’s Father’s parents. Bless you.
My spirituality could use a “re-boot” at times, but that is my human side.
I become most aware of God when I am out in nature. Yesterday, my husband and I walked in a woorde area among a ravine to a waterfall we had not seen before. The peace and beauty were like medicine for my sorrow. Right now, I am grieving what feels like the loss of my daughter and grandson. I feel numb, at a dead end, not knowing what to do next. I so appreciate your prayers and supportive comments. I pray for a break through with my daughter.
Blessings and prayers for UR friends.
*wooded area*
Andrea, i am keeping you and your daughter in prayer. I commit your relationship to God in prayer. May God remove any misunderstanding and heal your relationship with your daughter. May you be united with your daughter and grandson soon,
Blessings
Thank you, dear Mary. Blessings and prayers.
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