Ordinary Time

Pause

Waiting can be very hard.

But sometimes as we wait, God does the most important work in us. Keeping focused and watching carefully for God’s good work in our world can renew us each and every day.

Slow down for a moment, think, reflect, and pray for God’s work as you watch and wait.

Listen

So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

Think

There’s nothing like a long ride in the car to lull someone to sleep. A car ride is pretty predictable—a still body, the car in motion, the vibration and hum of the engine, and the passing scenery. It is the perfect combination to whisk us away into a cozy nap. We are easily convinced that there is nothing that we might miss if we doze.

Sometimes our lives become that way. Maintaining our daily schedules and routines can often lull us into a drowsy place, where we are much less likely to keep watch for our Savior. Sometimes staying awake to God’s work in the world is hard amidst the homework, extra-curricular activities, friendships, and other activities that consume our lives.

Take time today to reflect on ways to be awake to the work of God. The scripture tells us that in remaining awake we will experience the faith and love that is only from God. There’s no better reason to keep watch.

Jeanell Cox

Pray

God of love, awaken me to your goodness. Help me to keep watch for faith and love today, and awaken in me a love for others and for your creation. Amen.

Go

Go in the light, living as a person of the day, including all those around you and yourself in the circle of God’s love. Anticipate the joy of God’s good work in you and in the world. Watch and wait with hope. Amen.