I call you "Daughter!"

                                                        

Carrying on with yesterday's story from Mark 5, which includes the unnamed woman who had been suffering with a Haemorrhage for 12 years, we note something remarkable....

Although she has not been given a name (by Mark) she would have obviously had her own name. Jesus knows that she is a person of value, and despite her suffering, Jesus calls her by a new name in this powerful account.

Jesus calls her 'Daughter', which may seem like a generic term to most of us, but for this woman it would have been life-changing. Not only was she excluded from worship (for at least 12 years), but she was yet to encounter the Messiah. This moment, brings her physical healing and the beautiful gift of becoming a child of God.

Isaiah 62:2 -"The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow."

Thought: Sometimes we have to go through trials and suffering to truly discover that we are valued and loved by God. God knows our names and he calls us to be a part of his family.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Help for our prayers

There are times when we feel as if our prayers are bouncing off the ceilings. We pray our long prayers and once we have finished our 'list' we rush off to something else that is calling our attention. If we are completely honest our prayers seem to have little impact and this can breed frustration in our spiritual lives. However, there is hope...

I have found a helpful prayer practise that I want to share with you. It is not new at all - in fact, it has been practised for thousands of years, but I have found it meaningful. This is how it works.

1. Find yourself a place that will be free of distractions (even if it is only for 5 minutes).
2. Breathe in and out a few times until you sense your spirit calming down.
3. Choose a single word to pray. This word will be your focal point for these moments. Allow the meaning of this word to pervade your mind and heart. I have found that the best words for me are actually the names of God, or the characteristics of Jesus. See below for a few examples.
4. Soak in the Peace of God and then finish your devotion or begin your other tasks.

It may seem very simple, but it has worked for many people. Please try it and let me know what you experience. There is no "one-size" fits all formula for spiritual practises, but it is always helpful to be creative in these sacred times.

Exodus 3:14 -  "God said to Moses, “I am who I am."

Try some of these names of God as a starting point:

"Alpha and Omega" - Beginning and End
"Adonai" - "Lord and Master
"Shalom" - Peace
"El Shaddai" - God of Mountains
"Yahweh Jireh" - The Lord provides
"Lamb of God" - focuses on Christ's sacrifice for us and his perfection
"Emmanuel" - God with us

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Stars

I love this quote from Vincent van Gogh:
"For my part I know nothing of any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream."
(Yes, I did use this quote in one of my chapters in NOW,but I love the quote enough to repeat it!)

The Scriptures remind us that Jesus can also be compared to a star.

Revelation 22:16 - "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."

May we remember that Jesus is the true light (star) that shines in the midst of our darkness.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3