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Daily Devotional for August 2

 

August 2                                                              Mark 6:47-56


In today's passage, Jesus goes off alone to pray. Like him, we,
too, need to go into our own desert place of solitude to pray,
to center ourselves, to learn, to listen, to grow. When was the
last time I took a day apart to center and attune myself to God?


In today's passage, Jesus also comes out of a time of prayer
in order to serve his community. Christ shows us that the
Christian life is not a mere "God and me" phenomenon. As
members of the body of Christ, we are given our gifts so that
we may serve others and work for the establishment of God's
reign. The community needs us, calls us, and, in fact, is in-
complete without us - as are we without it. What gifts do
I bring to my community?


Jesus demonstrated power in his ministry because his ministry
was rooted in prayer. Conversely, Jesus demonstrated a great
need for prayer because his was an active ministry. The goal
of the Christian life is not either prayer or action alone, but
a balance of the two. As with Jesus, we go into the desert at
least in part for the sake of the community. What we find in
the desert place is to be brought back for and shared with the
community. But if we have not fed on the Spirit, we have
nothing to share. How is the balance between prayer and action
in my life?


                Lord God, alone and in quiet I seek you.
      Feed me and nourish me so that in community I may
            share, serve, know, and manifest you. Amen.

From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.198

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