Flowing Waters
Larry McGuire of Gilbert, AZ, USA
“…but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” -John 4:14
Standing by the flowing water at the top of the worshiper’s path in the Temple in Independence, Missouri, members of the Council of Presidents of Seventy and Council of Twelve Apostles were invited to dip our hands into the flowing water as we began our worship. One by one, we approached the water. Some gently placed a finger in the water, others immersed their entire hand, and others lightly skimmed over the water. No matter what we did, the water flowed.
Regardless of what is happening in the Temple sanctuary, on the worshiper’s path, in the meeting spaces or offices, the water flows. I wish I could say the same about the living water flowing in me. Far too often, I find ways to prevent the flowing waters from making their way into my soul.
As I try to remove things that block the flowing water in my soul, I recognize one practice that helps me is offering prayers of gratitude. No matter what the situation might be, if I begin praying with gratitude, I sense a freeing of my thoughts and emotions. Prayer can be the way of connecting to the continuous source of life and bringing renewal, hope, and healing.
As we journey in the rhythm of worship during the days of ordinary time, I am committing to offering prayers of gratitude to begin each day. I might use the traditional Lord’s Prayer but begin the prayer by saying, “With gratitude…”, or pray Psalm 23, beginning with, “In gratitude…” In that way, I connect to the source of life and experience the free flow of living water every day.
Prayer Phrase
“… the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Imagine each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale, especially into places and situations in need of loving care. Give thanks to the Spirit, source of every breath, source of life.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
