Power

Power can come in many forms, used in many different ways, both for good and evil.  How would it feel to have more power or control 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’ teachings ask us to choose humility, 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 when it creeps in; 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 Holy Spirit is alive in me every day, helping me to do better.    Although Jesus would probably desire me especially to be more consistent in my prayer life, I find He is on my mind more and more.  I’m also reminded that each of us pray differently, at different times, words and structure.  That’s how He created us!   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 and unique way.  I desire no power in always being right.  I desire no power in being first.  You and I have no power but through Christ himself.  Let’s contemplate 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 deserves 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