Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
MONDAY, June 8
Deuteronomy 30:1-10. The LORD your God will circumcise your heart...so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live.
What a wonderful image: remove the heart's foreskin, the armor behind which we seek protection, that we might live.
What makes you happy? What makes you feel alive?
On a Kairos weekend, I asked a prison guard, "What makes you feel good about yourself?" She said, "Smiling." (If a teacher is not to smile until Christmas, when can a corrections officer smile?) At the time my own answer to the question was feeling useful, being of service.
Today I think also of feeling the Holy Spirit work through me on those rare occasions when I let down my guard; feeling God's presence when I truly forgive my neighbor; setting self aside and being fully present for my prayer partner.
Do these examples--smiling (an expression of openness), serving, forgiving, and setting aside self--have anything in common? God is not an egocentric potentate, demanding homage. God is a loving father who knows where our happiness lies. Our happiness lies in open hearts focused on him.
PRAY for the Diocese of Kuching, Malaysia (South East Asia)
Ps 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Luke 18:31-43
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
