Monday, July 26, 2010

Three Signs of a House of Prayer --- by Matthew Thomas-Malani

I try and make of point of reading the daily entries in the Forward Day by Day devotional pamphlet each morning at 4:45 before heading off to work. You know the pamphlet I’m talking about, the ones in the back of St. Stephen’s. AND you can also view online. So if you happen to be at work and you’re bored, instead of playing Solitaire or surfing the web, check this one out - http://forwardmovement.org/Today-s-Meditation/

The reading for June 28th has made a big impression of me and I have kept the words close to my heart. It begins with Jesus clearing out the Temple of all those who were selling and buying. The people who were selling and buying were creating a huge distraction for what the temple was really there for – to worship God and find peace. What impressed me the most about this is that we can apply this not only to our homes but to ourselves.

Three signs of a house of prayer:

There is thoughtfulness each for the other.

There is temper control because God is in control.

There is infinite patience.

Am I practicing these three things on a daily basis? Before reading this passage I admit that I did not. Usually when I got home I would be more stressed out about making sure everything is perfect – the dishes are done, the bed is made, the laundry is folded, the dogs are walked and cleaned up after and dinner is made (all this on top of having already worked a 10 to 12 hour day). I hate to admit that my infinite patience collapsed which created a domino effect….

But since reading this passage from June 28th I have gotten into the habit of inviting God into my heart to give me peace and that I can be a house for his spirit to dwell within me. Everything else – dishes, bed, laundry, dogs and dinner will fall into place once I let Him be in control and clear everything else out.

Matthew C. Thomas-Malani

July 23, 2010

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