Devotion for September 26, 2022

Trying to BE and DO! 

Psalm 46

Here is my prayer mantra for me the next few weeks:

Lord, what would you have me to BE and to DO? 

Lord, what would you have me to DO and BE? 

I am inviting you to join me in praying this prayer.

Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of this prayer of petition.  The prayer asks much!  The prayer assumes a posture of listening and obeying.  The prayer assumes a posture of discovering and engaging.  The prayer leads us to our faith being formed even deeper.

“Being and Doing” and “Doing and Being” don’t happen as isolated actions but as interrelated experiences.  As we “be” with the Spirit we become more aware of what we need to “do.”  And then as we “do,” we find that even more is needed to “be” with God.  This is a circular interaction of listening and working, working, and listening.

Even as you pray this prayer for yourself, pray this prayer for your congregation.  Ask for God’s clarification in the hearts and minds of the people in your church.  Ask for God’s energy to be present in your activity and ministry.  Pray that God’s people will grow deeper in their listening for God and acting with God.

As you begin the prayer practice, just sit with God, “BE still!”  Later, DO as the Spirit is guiding you.  Then return and ponder the lessons and the blessings of your doing.  Then go and do more.  Ponder more. Do more.

As you consistently pray this prayer, develop a list of what you feel God’s Spirit may be saying to you.  Pay attention to what God is doing in your prayers through mystery and activity.  Pray with confidence that God is preparing you, guiding you, strengthening you

Live out the axiom of the mystics…

Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.

After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.

This Monday devotion is brought to you by Bo Prosser with the Center for Christian Education and Spiritual Direction Manager with the Rural Clergy Fellows.