Scripture and Prayer Topic: Perseverance and Hope
Scripture: Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Prayer:
Precious Lord, let us always remember that no matter how deeply troubled our life or the lives of those we love become, there is always a spot at the table to share our struggles with The One we were always meant to share the burdens of our hearts and minds. May we come to you, more easily, for guidance in learning the ways of growing a persevering and hopeful heart, by following your path of patience and love. Amen.
Personal/Professional Growth Tool Suggestion:
Have a heartfelt conversation with someone different, or brand new to you, each day. The more people with whom we have genuine conversations, engaging in active listening, the more we can realize we aren’t so isolated or alone in our life experiences. Think about the effects these conversations would have in affecting the rates of abuse, addictions, suicides, homicides, crime, people trafficking, etc. The list goes on and on… of the possible implosion of the number of folks experiencing these things… simply by “BEing free” to discuss our fears, in order to return to living our lives coming from, based in, love. Humans love to overcomplicate things; but, it really is that simple. We can give heed to the fear in our minds and get stuck there, or to the love innately within our hearts.
Coping Skill Suggestion:
Spend some time learning a slower moving, yoga therapy method called Restorative Yoga. It’s focused upon doing more fully supportive poses and holding them for gentle, effective, stretching as we age or acquire health issues, helping to maintain or improve flexibility and movement.