Rest is good. We’re taking a break from producing content over the summer. Enjoy this previously produced pattern and meditation.
With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6) O Lord, you are my sole satisfaction. I am hungry and thirsty for righteousness. I long for you. Amen.
Word: Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Meditation
What does “poor in spirit” mean? Remember in the spring when toilet paper was running out? The shelves were empty? Why? When things are unpredictable, we tend to hold more tightly to control. When we couldn’t control anything else, at least we could stock up on toilet paper. When the world seems out of control, we try all the harder to be in control.
We like to be in control of our own lives. We try to control our future. We control our schedule. Today, we see people obsessing over control of power, government, money, and relationships.
The poor in spirit are those who hold dependence over control. It’s backwards. The poor in spirit release control to God.
They bend to God’s will more than their own.
They know they are empty and that they need to be filled.
Like Martin Luther on his deathbed, they say, “We are all beggars before God.”
They know they are weak, and their Lord is strong.
Is there a place in your life where you have been over-controlling? Name it. Is there a place in your life where you need to be more dependent on God? Is there a place in your life where you are “poor in spirit,” empty, and weary. This is precisely the place God proves gracious.
Prayer for Daily Callings
· For my occupation, workplace, coworkers.
· For my work to be good for others, an extension of God’s love and care.
· For the unemployed.
· For growth in my career; not to work for a paycheck but for you and others.
· For discernment, if I should pursue another job or direction in life.
· For my callings at home as spouse, son/daughter, brother/sister.
· For schools, teachers, classmates.
· For eyes to see God’s work around me this day. For the courage to participate in it.
· Not to be comfortable in my callings, but to be useful.
Closing Prayer
O Lord, you are strength for the weak and riches for the poor. I come to you in humility, acknowledging my weakness. All I need is you. Fill my poverty with your power. Amen.