Presence

Dear Lord, thank you for always being present to me. Help me to be present to you during these few moments of prayer.

Scripture Reading

Luke 12:1-3 NRSVue

Meanwhile, when the crowd had gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.

Reflection

If two people know something, it is no longer a secret. When someone tells me something in confidence, do I keep it to myself? Or do I tell my spouse/partner, because between us we have no secrets? When I promise not to repeat something, how good is my word? Is the temptation to share what I’ve learned too great? Is the burden to keep that secret too much? Knowing then what I do, why do I tell others things in confidence, knowing the burden it places on them? Have I ever been angry at someone for not keeping my secret when I know that I have not kept the secrets of others? Today, I look back and honestly reflect on my life, asking myself this question. I give thanks for God’s guidance as I try to live my life knowing that everything I do and say may be uncovered.

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord, I want to live with integrity, to keep my word, and to be trustworthy. I want to live my life in the light, with nothing to hide. Reveal any duplicity within me, and give me the strength, courage and grace to be pure of heart, mind and intention.  Amen.