Repetition and Change-September 6, 2024

Today’s Readings:

AM Psalm 31; Job 19:1-7,14-27; Acts 13:13-25; John 9:18-41

Today’s Reflection:

For some, there is great comfort in repetition in their prayer life. The psalm appointed for today is Psalm 31. If one of your practices is to pray compline, the bedtime prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, (something I highly recommend) you will recognize that verses 1-5 of Psalm 31 are one of the choices for that prayer. Even though I am quite comfortable with change, I pick that psalm nearly every night because it soothes me to end my day with:

Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,

for you are my crag and my stronghold:

for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.

I hope you find comfort in the repetition of reading these Daily Faith reflections on most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. With John back from sabbatical, Sally on board, and me focusing more of my time launching the Threshold Center, I will be stepping out of regularly writing a Friday reflection. I will support my fabulous colleagues, John, Katherine, and Sally who will continue to provide these reflections on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Fortunately, they have assured me that they will make space for me to have the opportunity to write here from time to time.

The Advisory Board of The Threshold Center is working diligently to clarify our mission and messaging. We are developing programs not only for Saint Stephen's members, but also for those in our community who are seeking a deeper connection to the Holy, community, and themselves, but may not be comfortable in a traditional church environment. I hope you will consider reaching out to those whom you know who would benefit from two of our upcoming programs, Spiritual Practices for Resilience and A Retreat for Belonging. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this vibrant, generous Saint Stephen's community. And, I feel the Spirit stirring in this new endeavor. This could not be possible without the visionary leadership of John, the vestry, and the Advisory Board for the Threshold Center. If you would like to be added to the Threshold Center email list please let us know here. Thank you for your generous encouragement and support.

Grace and Peace,

Mary Bea+

Question for Self-Reflection:

How does repetition in prayer support your prayer life? What do you do when it becomes "rote?"