Last Sunday, we discussed blessing in the face of hardships. Ultimately, we are always blessed (see Matthew 5:11-12) when God is with us not matter our circumstance.
Henri Nouwen speaks to that in his book Life of the Beloved. Hear his reflection on prayer, and take time this week to practice it:
“For me personally, prayer becomes more and more a way to listen to the blessing. I have read and written much about prayer, but when I go to a quiet place to pray, I realize that, although I have a tendency to say many things to God, the real ‘work’ of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me. This might sound self-indulgent, but, in practice, it is a hard discipline. I am so afraid of being curse, of hearing that i am no good or not good enough, that I quickly give in to the temptation to start talking and to keep talking in order to control my fears. To gently push aside and silence the many voices that question my goodness and to trust that I will hear a voice of blessing…that demands real effort.”
This week, go and “listen to the voice that says good things about” you…and remember that those good things, that love God has for you, does not change.
Rest in, reflect on, pray for, and listen to God’s blessing.
Pastor Drew's Desk 