Monday, February 19, 2007

Today’s reading

1 John 1:8-10

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10).

Prayer

Our lives are constantly barrier or bridge, dearest Holy Mystery. Even our sins are a barrier or bridge. When we hide them our hearts freeze, trapped behind walls of fear and deception. When we confess them the walls about our heart fall flat and become the bridge we walk into intimacy with you who are always near, waiting for us to come home where you may share the mercy that is your life.

You are our home, and your word indwelling our souls speaks the truth of our heart--and of yours. Listening to you, we at once know both you and our own voice, authentic and real, speaking the truth: that we are sinners, failed and fallen, that we are mortal, anxious and fearful, and that we are yours, wanted and welcomed, constantly, by your faithful, unfailing presence.

Help us to listen and love the truth you speak to and in us, even when that truth seems unkind or cutting, even when you tell us what we don’t want to hear. More than anything else, we need your truth, your word--you-- to abide in us that our hearts may rest and find life in you.

We need to know you ever near, within the mystery of our own hearts. So let us hear and receive the truth your word speaks that we may enjoy your presence in us, loving us and welcoming us home. Amen.

--Pastor David L. Miller