Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7 

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Reflect in the Presence of Gentleness/Jesus

·         Is there any resistance that rises up, no matter how small?  Can I ask the Gentle Holy Spirit to show me more about that?

·         What might Jesus be asking me to let go of today?

·         What scares me about letting go?  Who could help me with my fear?

Practice:

·         Keep a jar with sticky notes and a pen beside it in a prominent place. As anxieties or situations arise, practice “letting go”. Write down what you are releasing and put it in the jar. Breathe a prayer of surrender inviting the Holy Spirit to fill you with his love.  Receive the gift of humility.

·         Cultivate self-awareness by allowing others to have the last word. Practice listening without having to be heard                                                                    

Prayer:

Dear God,

Speak gently in my silence.

When the loud outer noises of my surroundings

and the loud inner noises of my fears

keep pulling me away from you,

help me to trust that  you are still there

even when I am unable to hear you.

Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying:

“Come to me, you who are overburdened,

and I will give you rest ...

for I am gentle and humble of heart.”

Let that loving voice be my guide.

Amen.

   Henri Nouwen – With Open Hands

Psalm 131:1-2

Lord, my heart is not proud;
    my eyes are not haughty.
I don’t concern myself with matters too great
    or too awesome for me to grasp.
 Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,
    like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.
    Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

Amen.