Christian Living
Do you see your life as holy? That each day is a day of bringing love and understanding to the world? I would like to suggest this as a reflection. I see each person’s life as holy and life as a gift from God. God has a passionate love within each of us, which is to be shared.
I am writing this article as a fellow traveler on this journey called life. I am not a theologian, however through much training and counseling, I have learned much about myself and others. I have received spiritual direction for a number of years, and have completed four years of lay ministry courses. I am fortunate to have been involved in many service ministries, including the facilitation of spiritual retreats, where I have had the pleasure of learning from the wonderful people who have attended. I currently work with adults who have severe mental illness, and I have been doing this for over twenty-five years.
I offer this article to you in the spirit of much love. I know life is stressful, and this is my way of offering support and shining on you the wonderful Light of Jesus. As the Bible says in John 14:6, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life! Each one who reads this book will be in my prayers. My prayer is that you will experience the holy wonderful light within yourself: the Eternal Light of Jesus!
Sometimes I think we get side tracked by painful experiences, worries, stress, and other things. We may become so focused on “getting ahead”, or being critical of others. It’s easy to get caught in this trap. Especially in our culture. An example is, for three years I wanted to be a Team Leader. Even though I loved the people we serve I was working as hard as I could to get a promotion. I was caught up in the “getting ahead” game. As it turned out I didn’t get the job. I was very discouraged. Then I realized one of the reasons I wanted to get promoted was to feel important. Talk about a wake up call! I was so embarrassed. It was a very good lesson.
My worth is not based on being a Team Leader or getting a promotion. I forgot that my only purpose in life is to use the gifts God has given me and give the love which He has placed in my heart. To do that I needed to find out what gifts God gave me. I try things and see if they fit my purpose in life. For example I have just started writing poems and prayers. It seems to come very naturally and they will be published soon. I have found that I love it, and it’s my way of showing God’s love and maybe helping someone with their spiritual path.Perhapes it is gifts that I am suppose to use, and I love writing.
We might think of someone being holy if they pray all day. We might imagine them
in a small a small room and see a bright light around them because their prayer is so holy. Well, this is partially true. There are a few people who are called to this type of life, and we need them to pray for our world. But most of us are called to live a life of a living prayer of action. This needs some explaination.We need meditative prayer with Jesus. This can be any kind of meditative prayer that suits you. For some it can be writing a letter to Jesus each day, for others, trying to be in the silence. Going beyond our thoughts and feelings and connect with Jesus who is deep within. Some use soft music to relax their mind so they can feel the peace of the compassion of Jesus. One of the prayers I have written seems to be helpful. Maybe this prayer might assist you with starting your prayer.
Come holy wisdom
and make a home
in my heart
May I be open
to your truth
and sacred words
May I use these
words with honor
and love of Jesus
These words aren’t
given for my
importance or popularity
These words are
only for the one
who my heart and soul venerate
Come holy wisdom
Listen to my prayer
May your light shine through me
Prayer usually brings a response of some kind. Once you have experienced the love of Jesus in your own life, you soon learn how Jesus is not only in you but in each one. Each person you meet in a sense is Jesus. This brings each interaction you have to a new reality. Each time you love, that is prayer. Each time you forgive, that is prayer. Each time you bring understanding or joy that is also prayer. There are many other examples, but I think you get the idea. In a sense your life becomes a prayer. That is living a holy life! You will be just like the monks who pray daily, but your prayers will be active.
Joy is a very important part of living a holy life. Once we have experienced the light of Jesus that stays within our heart and soul. Sometimes this joy is very gentle and peaceful. We may have a sense all is well and we know for a fact that we are loved and feel the presence of Jesus. Other times it can be so strong that it is bursting out of us and has to be shared! I tend to show it by dance, song, or writing prayers. We tend to lead others to Jesus when people see how are relationship with him has brought such peace and joy. They might want to know where we have found such contentment. One of my prayers tries to convey this message.
As I listen to the birds
I wonder what they are singing
I imagine flying and singing
along with them
What would I sing?
I would sing of the
joy of God and the
beginning of a new day
I would sing how we are
all precious in God’s eyes
and notice the beauty of creation
I would sing of the unity
and the love we
can give each other
Oh, what a song I would sing!
You know what?
I don’t have to be a bird
I can sing those songs
every day as me!
As I have touched on earlier I believe prayer is essential. I had to get in touch with God within me before I could see God in others, nature, etc.You might want to develop a prayer style that fits you. Even if it is only five minutes a day. Mother Teresa tried to make her life a constant prayer for God. I have not only found the love of God within, but I am God’s beloved child. I use the masculine form of God, but please know that I am aware that God has no gender all shape. That God is in both genders and is in all nature, people etc.
Once I found I was God’s beloved child. I quickly realized that everyone is God’s beloved son or daughter. That is a huge discovery. It makes a big difference how I treat others. If God is in me He is within everyone else. So when I am talking or trying to help someone , I am m helping Jesus. Mother Teresa always seemed to feel this when she was helping the poor. I have a prayer which reflects the thoughts I am trying to explain.
There is a holy light within us
Giving warmth and glorious passion
This light is hope and love
which comes from our Creator
The light is stronger than sadness or fear
It can help us through our darkest hours
How can we see or
feel this light?
Close your eyes and
Surrender everything to God
Then only God’s radiant
light is left
Oh magnificent and holy light!
Help us feel
your strength
and compassion
Help us realize that
we all possess this light
It reflects all
Of God’s being
God’s own goodness
dwells within us
Almost impossible to understand
Perhaps it isn’t meant to be understood
Only to be lived
So, how does this relate to our life? If we are aware of the love inside us and others. If we use our gifts. If we realize that when we meet someone we are meeting Jesus. Our lives will be holy. But I have to add one of the most important things I want to say. EVERY life is holy. Every life! I wish you all the joy that God gives and will you pass on that joy? Peace be with you.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 914 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Cindy Tuttle or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 914 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.