Discerning

I’m reading, hearing, and thinking a lot about discernment right now. In my Pierre Favre classes (training on giving the Ignatian Spiritual Directions), we are learning about the process of discernment — making the decisions that lead us to unity with Christ. In my church, we are going through a “Crossroads process,” a process created by our denomination to help churches like ours — small and wondering if we are viable — discern God’s will for our church.

This meditation from Calvin University came up in my email. So fitting. It only takes a few minutes to read and the two music videos at the end are beautiful. I like this sentence in Mary Hulst’s prayer: “My will for your life is not hard to find: do justice, love kindness, ‘walk with me.’”

Prayers for God’s Leading: Micah 6:8

Shaping a time of prayer for dwelling with Bible texts, prayer responses, songs of faith, and a concluding benediction.

Orienting Scripture Text

The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps. -Proverbs 16:9

Quiet Reflection

Prayer

Amen, Father, on your planning.
Amen, for you’ll see us through.
Amen, when the cross is heavy.
Amen everything you do.

--Stanley Wiersma, recounting a prayer of his mother
Prof. Wiersma taught at Calvin College from 1959-1986

Central Scripture Text

God has told you, O mortal, what is good;
      and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
      and to walk humbly with your God? -Micah 6:8

Prayer

Triune God,
you are just,
you are kind,
you are holy,
and still you want to walk with me.
How amazing it is that when I am lost, or questioning, or wondering;
when I am unsure of the next step;
when I cannot find my way,
when voices are many and loud,
you invite me to slow down,
to seek the good,
to center myself on your holy invitation:
“Do justice,” you tell me, “today.”
“Love kindness,” you advise, “right now.”
“Walk humbly with me,” you invite, “and I will show you the way.
My will for your life is not hard to find: do justice, love kindness, walk with me.”
Father God, turn my heart toward justice.
Brother Jesus, show me how to love kindness.
Holy Spirit, invited me to walk with you in humility, now and forever.
Amen.

--Mary Hulst

Quiet Reflection

Musical Reflections

• Debra Perry & Majestic Praise: "Psalm 139" (Glenn Bulthuis, Debra Perry & Majestic Praise)

• 1999 Calvin College Capella: "The Lord Bless and Keep You" (Calvin College Capella, Merle Mustert, conductor; Larry Visser, organist)

Blessing

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13