Daily Practices – Week 5 – Day 4

THEME: Abundant life grows through sacrifice, not consumption.

GRACE: Lord, help me see where You are calling me to live generously.

Settling in:

• In a journal, note the day, time, and place you’re sitting.
• Open with a few moments of silence. Rest, and breathe deeply.
• Complete the following sentence in your journal: Today, I feel ________________.
• Read these words slowly (aloud or silently):

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”  (Matthew 20:25b-26, NIV)

• Pause for a few moments of silence.

Practice:

• Choose one of the following practices.

Option 1: Service [5-30 minutes]

The practice of service re-orients us to God’s kingdom, where the “ladder” of significance in our culture is turned upside down. In serving, we humble ourselves and lift up those around us.

Today’s practice is one of action and intention. We cannot serve someone through a quiet moment of contemplation. We must get into the world and impact another person. In the same way, we must be intentional about our service and actively notice a need which we can quietly meet. Spend a few moments thinking about your day and finding a way to serve someone in your world.

Think about your next 24 hours. Who will you interact with? How could you serve someone along your path today? Who in your life might have a specific need you could meet today?

Take a moment and write in your journal what act of service you plan to practice today. Then step out and practice that small act of service as you go through your day.

Note: Service is most transformative in our lives when it is done quietly, without reward or benefit to ourselves. Resist the urge to post your “good deed” on Facebook or tell everyone about it. Instead, be a serving “ninja,” leaving as little trace of your action as possible. Then, notice what happens in your heart when you quietly serve someone else. How does it feel, and what might God want to say to you through that experience?

Option 2: Service – Narrative Entry [30-60 minutes]

The practice of service is most powerful when it rises from a joyful heart. When we recognize how our Father cares for us and meets our every need, it frees us to serve without hesitation or need for approval.

Take 30 minutes to meditate on John 13:1-17. Read the text three times, slowly, and imagine this scene from the perspective of an unnamed servant in the room. What do you see, smell, hear? How do you feel?

When you are finished reading, take a moment to write in your journal what you observed, and ask God what He might want to say to you through this passage.

Then, read through the “Option 1” instructions above and make an intentional plan to serve someone throughout your day.

• Summary: Write a brief summary (five sentences or less) of what you discovered during your preparation for the practice of Service.
• Closing Prayer: Lord, help me see where You are calling me to live generously.

Questions? Please email us at info@parishanglican.org