peace in perplexities

October 23, 2020October 22, 2020 / Eric Mathews / 1 Comment

Lord of the elements and changing seasons,

keep me in the shadow of your hand.

When I am tossed to and fro with the winds of adversity

and the blasts of sickness and misunderstanding,

still my racing heart,

quiet my troubled mind.

Bring me at last through the storms and tribulations of this mortal life

into the calm evening of your unchanging love;

and grant that in the midst of my present perplexities and confusion

I may experience your peace which passes human understanding.

Brother Ramon, SSF, 1935-2000, English Franciscan brother

The HarperCollins Book of Prayers

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Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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the pursuit of Wisdom

October 1, 2020September 30, 2020 / Eric Mathews / Leave a comment

You are wisdom, uncreated and eternal,
the supreme first cause, above all being,
sovereign Godhead, sovereign goodness,
watching unseen the God-inspired wisdom of Christian people.
Raise us, we pray, that we may totally respond
to the supreme, unknown, ultimate, and splendid height
of your words, mysterious and inspired.
There all God’s secret matters lie covered and hidden
under darkness both profound and brilliant, silent and wise.
You make what is ultimate and beyond brightness
secretly to shine in all that is most dark.
In your way, ever unseen and intangible,
you fill to the full with most beautiful splendor
those souls who close their eyes that they may see.
And I, please, with love that goes on beyond mind
to all that is beyond mind,
seek to gain such for myself through this prayer.

St. Denis prayer, from The Cloud of Unknowing, 14th century

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Colossians 2:2-3

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,

so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding,

in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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working with excellence

September 17, 2020September 16, 2020 / Eric Mathews / Leave a comment

Work is anchored in your character, and part of being made is your image is sharing the industrious and creative aspects of your nature. You are a God of excellence and commitment, and I long to exhibit those same qualities, especially at work. Some days my job is great, and other days I feel unmotivated or stressed. But I know that whatever task I am called upon to do, I have an opportunity to demonstrate a divine standard of excellence and commitment, both to my assignments and to those around me.

Lord, please teach me to work diligently and with enthusiasm at whatever I do, whether I’m on the job or at home with my family. When I think of my daily tasks as having been assigned by you, I find myself working for your approval, and I am often proud of the work I do. But more important, God, I want you to be proud of me. I’m so thankful that I have an opportunity to show creativity and responsibility in each task of my day. Please help my efforts be an inspiration for others to glorify you in all they do each day.

Ron A. Beers

365 Pocket Prayers

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Colossians 3:22-25

Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

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