Prayer Tip--Eruditio et Religio: A Faith for Critical Thinkers
Daily Scripture
Matthew 22:36-37, Philippians 1:9-10
A legal expert tested him. “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” [Jesus] replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind.
This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight. I pray this so that you will be able to decide what really matters and so you will be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
I remember going to Vacation Bible Camp as a child and learning a catchy little song that has stayed with me all these years. It’s sort of like another song that gets stuck in your head from a certain Magic Kingdom Disney ride. I won’t mention the name of that song because if I do, it won’t leave you for several hours (or days). Too late? Sorry, friends.
The song from Vacation Bible Camp, though, is not only one I want to stay with me, but to live in my heart, words, and actions always. It put Galatians 5:23 to music: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
As we begin a new sermon series aimed at restoring faith, we are reminded that this fruit is borne by the Spirit’s work in our lives. These are the traits God wants us to embody and enact. This is who God calls us to be. Too often people turn away from faith because they do not see professed Christians embodying these qualities.
As you pray this week, I invite you to ask God to help you show love, bring joy and offer peace to those around you and beyond, and to reflect upon and give thanks for the daily ways in which God has empowered you to do that.
Let’s pray:
Prayer
Holy God, may I recognize and join in the work of your Spirit this week. May I bear fruit and love my neighbors near and far. May I be the person you have called me to be. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, the one who taught us to live in your ways of love, joy and peace. Amen.
GPS Insights
Chris Holliday
This week's prayer tip is by Chris Holliday, who currently serves as the Connection and Care Pastor and Director of Adult Discipleship at Resurrection West. Chris joined the Resurrection staff in 2009, and first wrote a version of this prayer tip in 2021.
