Everyone is God’s Beloved

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, December 19, 2015

Everyone is God’s Beloved

When I think about my fear, my anxiety, my insecurity, my anger at myself and at others, what can possibly take those negative feelings away? God. More specifically, God’s love. And, knowing that God loves me. Me, myself. Exactly the way I am. I don’t have to change. I don’t need to become something different. God loves me exactly the way I am right now.

Once I start getting used to this earthshaking idea (Imagine—God loves me! I am God’s beloved!), I can start to explore the idea that God also loves other people. Perhaps just as much as God loves me.

Can God really and truly love everyone? Can each person be beloved by God?

That’s what Henri Nouwen says, in the reading for Saturday. “ … When you discover yourself as being the beloved son or daughter of God, you suddenly have new eyes to see the belovedness of other people.” [1]

The Advent Action for Saturday is: “Make a list of the blessings and benefits that have been given to you by God, your Savior. Take a few minutes today to give thanks for one of these undeserved blessings. If possible, pass this blessing on to others.” [2] What a marvelous way to express this feeling of being God’s beloved.

Dear Lord, loving God, thank You for Your love. You are so generous with Your love, mercy and kindness. You shower me with undeserved blessings each and every day. What’s more, I am not even aware of many of these blessings. Forgive me for being so oblivious. And, thank You for being willing to overlook these flaws and faults. Thank You so much for loving me.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net

[1] Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen (Linguori, Missouri: Redemptorist Pastoral Publications, 2004), 42.

[2] Ibid, 43.

God’s Message to Our Heart

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, December 18, 2015

God’s Message to Our Hearts

Poor self-esteem? Guilty as charged. Seriously, I used to have a low sense of self-esteem. It’s better now.

But, many people are in this sad and sorry boat. Not feeling good about themselves. Thinking, “Oh, well. What’s the use? I’m no good at this life thing, anyway.”

One small wrinkle in that sad story? God doesn’t work that way. Jesus came to earth especially to let me know that I am God’s beloved child. (And, so are you! Each of us is!)

As Henri Nouwen mentions in today’s Advent reading, “The mystery of this spiritual truth is that you were loved before you were born, and you will be loved after you die . . . Your dwelling in God’s heart is a dwelling from eternity to eternity” [1]

I know God loves me. Not only intellectually, but I know it in my heart, too. Thank You, God.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net

[1] Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen (Linguori, Missouri: Redemptorist Pastoral Publications, 2004), 40.

Mary and a “Yes” to God’s Request

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, December 7, 2015

The Annunciation –
Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, a vintage Christmas greeting illustration (circa 1910)

Mary and a “Yes” to God’s Request

From time to time, I hear about people wondering how Mary could have said “yes” to God. Some people truly think about this, and think deeply. Sorry. I don’t think I ever did.

Similarly, from time to time, I understand people also wonder how Mary and Joseph interacted with each other, as well as the people along the way. When these curious people bring such a thought to my attention.

I wonder more about logistics. And about having a child too far ahead of time. How were the other townspeople affected? Was Mary ostracized? Shunned? Or, were there a few good friends who staying true to Mary, even though she was pregnant out of wedlock?

Even though I have never wondered about that particular wrinkle of the Advent narrative, I can still appreciate the “yes!” that Mary communicated to God. “Yes” to pregnancy. And as Henry Nouwen says, “yes” to the idea of me—of us—claiming that space of childhood. Becoming as children before God. Accepting God’s invitation into relationship as God’s beloved child.

I have no problem with that. I know I am like a toddler to God. God is my loving, caring Heavenly Parent. I guess that is a big enough wonderment for me.

Dear Lord, gracious Heavenly Parent, prepare my heart to receive the Lord Jesus once more as we remember His birth in Bethlehem, in this Advent time of preparation and waiting.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net