Daily Devotional Guide

December 24-31^st, 2017

https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/twelve-ways-to-make-the-ultimate-baby-photo-holiday-card

VISIO DIVINA 

is meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul 

to connect with God through images. What does this image speak to you 

about God’s gift of grace? Your focus this Christmas? 

What your intentions are for expressing your faith going forward?

Prayer

MORNING

Gracious Lord of unexpected warmth, drizzly skies, and surprised blessings,

I begin this day thinking of your love and power.

The love you give me, a simple person, flawed and wanting in so many ways.

I seek to hold the grace of Christ with joy and live in the 

peace you give full of light and mercy. Amen

READINGS FOR REFLECTION

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Boxing Day

     My first Christmas living in Canada I learned about boxing day.

The day after Christmas was a time when Gentry gave their servants presents

in boxes and a day to spend with their family. It is also thought to be when priests

opened the alms boxes and distributed money to the poor.

December 26^th is also St Stephen’s day. In the carol “Good King Wenceslas” 

the king  went out on the feast of Stephen.

It was a day celebrated through charitable giving. Today it has become another day of consumption.

A day to use your gift cards for items on sale and to return those things you just don’t like.

We have made it another day about ourselves. I think of our new baby born and waiting.

Christ helpless in his infant state. When we focus on our service and others in need

 we find our self-focus fades to the background. The newborn savior needs our attention.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture. 

Audio Lectio   http://alivenow.upperroom.org/audio-lectio/

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

 Virtues for Prayer Each Day of The Week:

love of God- Sunday                  

love of neighbor -Monday         

humility -Tuesday                      

self-denial -Wednesday and Friday                                            

resignation and meekness -  Thursday

and thanksgiving – Saturday

_{Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People}

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT

 * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice

 of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help

 your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand,

  change, make, explore…...

BENEDICTION

    Lord of Jesus, giver of life and grace I give myself into your Holy Spirit.

 Lead me to love without fear, without hesitation,

but with abandon and confidence. Place in the front of my thoughts

the needs of others, and the care of the vulnerable. Use me.  Amen

  

DAYTIME

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer,

release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina

and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day.

Father of light and sweet tastes, I pause to focus upon my love for you.

I breathe to fill my lungs with air and my soul with your love.

 I bow before you, and Christ, I praise you

and herald the majesty of your divine kingdom.  Amen

EVENING

      The evening falls to reveal your stars and man’s attempts

to copy your lights upon houses and rooftops.

The world is in celebration of your birth and the earth is bright with love.

I come in prayer. Reveal to me what I must do, release, repair, confess,

to hold your joyous love within my soul.  Amen

Questions for Day that has Past 

It is important to reflect upon our day and where we may be more present in our faith

And more expressive in sharing God’s grace.

These questions are in response to what God begins within us.

God is the force we respond to. God is first. We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I love God in prayer with thankfulness and openness?

How will I love God more tomorrow?

Did I love others and share the beauty of God?

Was I generous with my time and resources?

Did I grow in faith?

Did I grow in love for God and others today?

Did I extend the forgiveness of Christ that I desire to receive?

Did I take time to appreciate all God has provided?

Did I love God through creative praise?

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT*

BENEDICTION

     Father of the night and of the light. Your voice has been heard across the world

and all of creation warms in the gift of your grace.

As the day ends and a new day is born you are born anew within me.

 I lay down to sleep with thoughts of your amazing love upon my mind and heart.

I rest in the knowledge of your grace.  Amen