Image by Couleur from Pixabay

“Put your mouthful of words away and come with me to watch the lilies open in such a field, growing there like yachts, slowly steering their petals without nurses or clocks.” – Anne Sexton, The Complete Poems

+++

Listen to my song “I Will Give You Rest” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Support my ministry by purchasing my songs and books (Mercy Reigns & Listen to Your Heart). Thank you!

+++

Matthew 14:22-23

Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.

+++

Jesus demonstrates for us today the importance of balancing contemplation and action.

Just before this passage, Jesus ministered to a crowd of thousands.

Following this, “he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.”

His action is followed by contemplation.

To avoid burn-out, we must self-care.

We need to take time to go to our inner room, close the door, and pray to God in secret (Matthew 6:6).

That’s how Jesus had instructed his followers to pray, to not use many words (Matthew 6:7-8).

Contemplative prayer is characterized by silence.

It is more about listening than speaking.

It is resting in the Divine Presence.

This is the place of replenishment.

Some form of meditation such as Centering Prayer is a great help.

Simply be present to the now without judgment or mental commentary.

Allow this Presence to speak to you and comfort you.

What else would Love do?

After all, “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

+++

Listen to the song of the day “I Will Give You Rest” on the Live to Love album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!