Opening Prayer

In the stillness of this moment, I come with an open heart and mind, ready to receive your peace and rest in the presence of your love.

Scripture

Matthew 7:21, 24-27

 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!”

Reflection

In the present time, our world is experiencing an increase in storm frequency, accompanied by rain, floods, hurricanes, winds, and heatwaves. We can also be struck by storms in our lives, of a different kind, no matter where in the world we live—family disputes, church, wars, etc. Jesus says we will withstand the storms and move through and beyond them if we listen to his words. In the upheaval, can we listen to how the storms continue, however challenging that may be? God is trying to reveal a heart that is attentive to His guidance and a spirit that is open to His plan for resolving conflict. A Synodal Church is striving to achieve this by emphasising the importance of listening to one another and engaging in open and respectful dialogue. “The mighty storm will soon subside, because Jesus is at my side, He gave his life to set me free, enlighten, strengthen and heal me” (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network).

Reflection Prayer

Lord, when the storms come my way, keep me grounded in your word.
Teach me to listen for your voice in the turmoil.
Give me the courage to trust your will and to walk with confidence beside you.
May your calm and strength guide me safely through every storm.

Concluding Prayer    

Isaiah 55: 8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.