Here is a short video this September 11 weekend titled: A Survival Story: The Survivor Tree. And while the video tells the story of the pear tree salvaged and restored, it might also bring to mind our own story of survival and pray, restoration. Perhaps the story of surviving domestic violence, a life threatening disease, military conflict, sex abuse, addiction, accident or assault, financial ruin, breakdown...
Are you familiar with this encouraging, hope-restoring verse — "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" Isaiah 41:13
Then, (perhaps by extension) I'd like to share with you a second prayer found inside the front cover of every issue of Forward Day by Day. The first prayer was included at the bottom of the September 5th post. While the prayer is called a resolve, (we're not good at keeping resolutions) the first line is perhaps more realistic, "I will try." We can all do that. "Try this" a good parent or teacher says to a youngster.
Then the first line continues with a list of negatives. For most people "impurity" refers to sexual things. It's a lusty world to be sure, but gospel "impurity" refers more to a heart that's just not clean. "Blessed are the clean of heart," Jesus says (Matthew 5:8). A dirty heart might be darkened with power-quest, resentment, bad will, working hard to protect my bubble-world.
Magnanimity might suggest simply being generous with money. Yes, but I'd suggest it might more broadly also mean cutting people some slack, giving someone the benefit of the doubt, stretching my ideas about welcoming others, not having to have it all. Party loyalists could do with some of that last one these days.
Notice finally that the prayer knows we can't do this by ourselves and so the Holy Spirit (Christ's Spirit) is invoked — God's shared life and energies — God's up-lifter. I work in a cemetery where I recently came across a headstone with these Gospel words inscribed: "Apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5).
A Morning Resolve
I will try this day to live a simple, sincere and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking; cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God.In particular I will try to be faithful in those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating, and sleep, which I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it. I look to thee, O Lord God my Father, in Jesus my Savior, and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
