Pathways Press.com

MEDITATION:

Written by Henri Jozef Nouwen (1932-1996), a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian. This is an excerpt from his book “Making All Things New.”

The spiritual life can be lived in as many ways as there are people. What is new is that we have moved from the many things to the kingdom of God. What is new is that we are set free from the compulsions of our world and have set our hearts on the only necessary thing. What is new is that we no longer experience the many things, people, and events as endless causes for worry, but begin to experience them as the rich variety of ways in which God makes his presence known for us. Indeed, having a spiritual life requires a change of heart, a conversion. Such a conversion may be marked by a sudden inner change, or it can take place through a long, quiet process of transformation. But it always involves an inner experience of oneness.

PRAYER:

This prayer is from The Liturgy of St. James, a form of liturgy used by some Eastern Christians of the Byzantine and West Syriac Rite. It is considered to be the oldest surviving liturgy developed for general use in the church from around the fourth century. 

O gracious King of ages, Master of all creation,

receive your Church that approaches you through Christ.

Give each of us what is good, bring us all to completeness

and make us ready by your sanctifying grace.

Unite us together in your Holy Church, which you purchased with the precious blood of your only Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; with him, and with your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, you are blessed and glorified forever.