This fall has been hectic! Every weekend I have traveled to various gigs for work. The joy of being present in community with so many people, even two of whom who flew halfway around the world from Singapore, is in every way heartwarming for my spirit! And yet, body, mind, and spirit can become weary.
When Covid caught me, I was gifted with the opportunity to remember, pray, and anoint those who have influenced my life. Not being able to speak for a few days’ gifts one with solitude of prayer! My heart overflowed with thanksgiving for those who checked on me, ordered groceries for me, shopped for me, delivered the groceries, and many who became words of encouragement on the difficult days. Like Timothy in the Scripture for today, we all need people like Paul reminding us, encouraging us, and anointing us to new possibility.
The Scripture
This is one of my very favorite texts, 2 Timothy 1:1-7 ; probably because I identify so much with Timothy and the way that he was weaned into faith. In verse five Paul stated: “I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.”
I was gifted with faith leaders in my family also. My grandfather anointed all before God as he led his children and grandchildren into deeply rooted faith. And that tradition has passed down the generations through mother, youth counselors in church, and into the next generations of children and grandchildren. Truly as Paul reminds Timothy there is much to be grateful for, even when we grow tired and weary.
Paul continued in verse 6-7 “Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands.For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Today’s Prayer Practice
“God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” What powerful words. They come to my heart like a marvelous image. Like a bridge over troubled waters of our chaotic season of elections, burgeoning respiratory illness invading the bodies of young children, warring madness, and narcissistic grabs for power.
Through these days who are the people, like Paul that name for you your rich history of God’s faith leaders in your life? How do you pause through this season of disorientation and give thanks for those that have gone before, alongside, and with you into deepened faith?
Spend time with the prayer sentence from Paul, “God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
- When has fear threatened to overturn your faith that has been nurtured by generations before you?
- How have you received and claimed a spirit of God’s power?
- God’s love anoints your life this day. Pause and make note of this.
- When has self-control guided your behavior, attitude, and expression in life?
When you finishing praying with this prayer sentence. Offer it back to God in blessing and hope for the days to come.
Enjoy praying.
