An Instrument of Peace
by Dawn Okrasinski
Monday - 11.2.2020
I repeat a time worn prayer slowly during my busy day. I want to create a rhythm of intention which will hopefully block out the almost constant preoccupation with self during these pandemic laden times.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
St. Francis Prayer of Peace
What is the right formula for tearing our focus away from the urgent barrage of problems throughout the day? How do we practice pushing away fear? Indecision? It is hard not to feel selfish, self-righteous, and self-absorbed at least part of the day during this “new normal”. There is a world pandemic for goodness sake, the economy is tumbling, politics have split us right down the middle, and we are weary. So darn weary. Love gets lost in the fray somedays.
Prayerfully asking to love others offers a very practical way to motivate us as Christians and as a human race. For as I pray these intentions, I am delivered from self-indulgence and become person-centered. We become right sized and redirected when the preoccupation becomes a love offering. Loving others takes us out of ourselves and connects us to God like a giant plug drawing from His amazing grace and creating a conduit for the Holy Spirit to do His work through us. The minute we are handing out food, giving a lift to the market, holding a weeping child, dialing up an isolated friend, we are transformed and transcend from worry to purpose. Love-focus has no room for self-focus. Our relationships become paramount and gratitude increases as we lift up Christ. Jesus told us ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35 NLT), yet how much more are we blessed by the pure act of focusing our love on others?
So, how will you bring love to the weary today? How will you encourage and lift up when you yourself need lifting and encouraging? Our God is an awesome God. He does not call the equipped. He equips the called through loving relationship with Him and through Him. He restores and fills our cup to pour out like divine water refreshing and healing.
Call To Action
Take some time this week and prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to provide a focus for your love. Then act. Reach out to us on Beyond Sunday and tell us how you are doing? Reflect on the following scriptures throughout the week.
Luke 10:27 (NLT)
The man answered, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And Love your neighbor as yourself”
Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
1Thessalonians 4:9 (NLT)
But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love on another.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for lover covers a multitude of sins.
Reflections:
What does the Word of God tell us about serving others? Take a few moments during your study this week and jot down a few scriptures that really inspire you to outreach?
What does Proverbs 11:25 promise us? How can we lean into this promise to restore the server?
What fills your cup during these pandemic days and how has the act of service blessed you?
Giving is more than monetary giving. Where can you give this week, that has nothing to do with money?
