Ordinary Time

Pause

Pause and stay with the good shepherd.

Drink of the restful waters and rest a while in the grassy meadows.

Hear of God’s love for you

And make your dwelling place with God.

Listen

We receive whatever we ask from him because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. This is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love each other as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments dwell in God and God dwells in them. This is how we know that he dwells in us, because of the Spirit he has given us.

1 John 3:22-24

Think

After my grandparents died and their house was sold, I wondered what had become of my grandfather’s Bible. I asked my brother if he knew where it was.

“If I go to Grandma and Grandpa’s house in my memory, I can find it,” I said, closing my eyes. “It’s right there, on the little table next to his chair. I can picture it sitting there right now.”

“Yes, that’s exactly where it is,” replied my brother. “Right here.” And he patted his heart.

That’s how it is with us. When we go to God – enter into God’s kingdom of love – God will also enter into our warmed hearts. We can be both surrounded by and filled with God’s love.

Jane Claspy Nesmith

Pray

Dwell in me, loving God. Fill my heart with your peace, and let me find a home in you. Amen.

Go

Go, knowing that the good shepherd is with you

In grassy meadows,

Beside restful waters,

Through shadowy dark valleys.

Go, knowing that the good shepherd, Jesus Christ,

Claims you as his own.