Presence

I take refuge in the loving heart of God. God is within me, but I am always within God. I keep this in mind during these few moments of prayer today.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 6:2-4 NRSVue

“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Reflection

When I donate to a charity, do I need to see my name in lights? When I help someone less fortunate than I, must I immediately tell someone of the good I’ve done? Do I help others because the recognition I receive validates my self-image? Today, I will donate to a charity or a cause or give paper money to a homeless person, and I’ll do it anonymously. I won’t tell anyone about it. Instead, I will be grateful that I am in a position to help. That is my reward.

Closing Prayer

Abba, Father, may I never forget that my self-worth is not in what I do for others, or in receiving recognition or approval or praise, but in how much you love me, and in the fact that I am made in your image, a child of God. Amen.