Prayer Practice for the Week

Make Time

Make time. This exploration of Jesus will only be as meaningful as you make it. So make the time. Make the time to read the material. Make the time to do the activities. And, make time for silence, for uninterrupted, unfilled space. Thomas Keating reminds us: “Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation.” Set yourself a goal of 5 minutes each day to sit and listen. Use an egg timer or try e.ggtimer.com.

Daily Devotion

Scripture of the Day

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ( 1 Corinthians 1:18)

Reflection

That Jesus died on a cross was not then a badge of honor. Rather, it was a shameful and undignified end. Not only was it horrifically painful for Jesus, but the cross represented a scandalous breach from the established order of the day. According to any good logic it makes no sense. The means don’t justify the end; the price far outweighs the value. It undercut Jesus’ credibility. Or should have. His obedience to love made the cross is perfectly rational. His rejection of violence and his ban on retaliation made the illogical logical. His obedience to his own laws of love cemented his teaching in the hearts of his students. And in the hearts of their students. And in the heart of me. 

Prayer

Jesus, I have been forged in the fire of logic. I have been taught to balance the pros and cons, to measure the risks against the rewards. Wipe away these calculations and exchange them with love. Sweep away old formulas that I may be guided by compassion. Exchange the rule of law with the covenant of love. Amen.

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