Power

Power can be used in many different ways, both for good and evil.  What would it mean to you to have more power in your life?  Think of it – people would look up to you; people would honor you; people would listen to your every word.  But Jesus teaches us to be humble, desiring to be last rather than first.  Therein lies our true power.  I, personally, would like more power in my thoughts.  Individually, if you and I had more control and power over our thoughts, how much better a world this would be.  To wake up in the morning with our first thoughts praising God; to choose to erase the negativity and fear from our minds; to have God’s words and teachings always on our lips and in our minds – that is what I would pray for all of us.  Is that a “pie in the sky” wish?  Maybe some would think it’s impossible, but that’s what the power of prayer is all about.  That is why I am so thankful that the power of God pulls me in his direction every day.  Also, the power of prayer continues to speak to me.  Although He would probably desire me to be more consistent in that area, I find God is on my mind more and more.  I’m not good with structured, recited prayer and I feel guilty that I don’t do more of that.  But we all pray differently.  So when I read this “Meditation of the Day” from the Catholic Company recently, it spoke to me. “If during vocal prayer your heart is drawn to mental prayer, do not restrain it, but let your devotion take that channel, omitting the vocal prayers which you intended to say: That which takes their place is more acceptable to God, and more useful to your own soul.”  Wow!  So, right now, as I am writing God’s powerful words, I am humbled by Him speaking to me, in our special way.  I have no power in always being right.  I have no power in being first.  You and I have no power but through Christ himself.  Let’s contemplate on how the word power shows up in our lives this week.  Every time you find yourself needing to be in charge, needing to be right, or trying to hold your power over someone else, STOP.  Think about who has the true power and repeat this prayer, “Jesus, I realize that my thoughts and actions at this moment are not your ways.  I lay my earthly needs for control humbly at your feet, knowing you are all the power I need to live in your peace.”  Amen

“But he said to me. ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9