spiritual formation – Page 10

A Contemplative Life

Checking Out My Ways

This I desire: integrity— heart and mind undivided unfragmented undistracted truly focused deeply centered all transparent and devoted— set apart for only You. So take this moment: give me grace to know truth see your hand understand what you did how you worked what I did what it meant— how to live set apart forContinue reading “Checking Out My Ways”

Grateful for this Morning Hour

I thank you, Lord, for this morning hour, when you deign to come and sit with me, when you calm me by your Spirit’s power, and open my eyes so that I can see. Without you, days would just pass by, empty of meaning, empty of peace. But with you teaching my heart to fly,Continue reading “Grateful for this Morning Hour”

Let’s Celebrate

God, who fills the universe, who made it all, the stars and space, did choose to put mankind on earth and focus on this tiny place. Hallelujah! We sing God’s praise! He offers us his warm embrace, for as a man he took our place to pay for sin — amazing grace! The perfect worldContinue reading “Let’s Celebrate”

Set Apart

Set apart from the start (once I gave myself to you) I did not know how far you’d go to make me someone new! But I am yours, much-loved, learning like a daughter should who wants to know how best to grow and act just like you would. When my Nyarafolo translation partner Moïse andContinue reading “Set Apart”

Longing for Quiet

The words come crashing in like chattering kids. They’re only in my head but they are deafening. I cannot stem the tide. A billion babblings jostle for position. One sinks, one bubbles up. He says, “Be silent,” and I long for quiet to listen for his voice, to know that he is God. I’m desperateContinue reading “Longing for Quiet”

Loving Listening

Your lovingkindness wraps me up, welcoming me with arms open wide to hold me, grace pouring over me; no, I don’t deserve this. You listen to me, lovingly letting me pour out to you my worries and concerns. I’m comforted, secure. We meet there in the middle, a precious place of peace and joy, oneContinue reading “Loving Listening”

Making Every Effort

Your Word grips me: If I really know you, Jesus – my Lord, Rescuer, Messiah— then I may actually participate in who you are, “the divine nature”! To be like you and a member of your healthy Body, doing my part, is what I really want. So I will try hard, make every effort! ButContinue reading “Making Every Effort”