Presence

Let my heart rejoice and be glad
in this time of prayer.
Remind me often of the great
blessings You have bestowed on me, oh my God.

Freedom

Thank You God for my freedom.
May I use this gift to do what I can
for those who are oppressed or burdened.

Consciousness

God, in Your loving presence I unwind the past day,
starting from now and looking back, moment by moment.
I gather in all the goodness and light, in gratitude.
I attend to the shadows and what they say to me,
seeking Your healing, insight, and forgiveness.

The Word of God

⁸“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, ⁹but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. ¹⁰And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. ¹¹When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you will answer or what you are to say, ¹²for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.”

Inspiration

Our relationship with the Lord is central to life. It means acknowledging the Lord, who acknowledges us as his own. We pray for a deeper faith that enables us to know and make the Lord known to the people of this age.

Loyalty and fidelity are important qualities in life and in relationships. Jesus displays those gifts and is faithful to us. May we rely on the Lord in the challenges we encounter, as he has promised us the Holy Spirit to help us.

Conversation

I begin to talk to Jesus about the piece of scripture I have just read.
What part of it strikes a chord in me?
Perhaps the words of a friend, or some story I have heard recently, or some experience,
will slowly rise to the surface of my consciousness.
If so, does this memory throw light on what the scripture passage may be trying to say to me?

Conclusion

I thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text.

Amen