Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Acts 13:1-12
Our scripture reading for today also reminds us to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to follow God’s calling, even if it takes us out of our comfort zones. It also shows us the importance of knowing that the Holy Spirit can work through us to bring about transformation and make a positive impact in our personal spiritual journey, but also in our churches and our communities.
The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day weekend filled with the movement of the Holy Spirit. The weekend invites Christians to deepen their relationship with Christ by empowering participants to live as disciples for the transformation of the world. I’ve not only attended the weekend as a pilgrim, but I’ve served as a Table Leader and Spiritual Director on several walks, as well as the Epiphany weekend at the Gainesville State school.
The weekend is designed to inspire and challenge, to strengthen and renew participants faith, and through them, strengthen and equip others for Christian action in their churches and communities.
There are several talks given throughout the weekend and participants are invited to recite a beautiful, ancient prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to be present and inspire all of God’s faithful. The prayer is a lovely reminder that it is the fire of love of the Holy Spirit that inspires us to pray. During my weekend as a pilgrim, I felt deeply connected to this ancient prayer, and I remain inspired to pray these words during my quiet time still today.
Be Still: If you’ve been on the Walk to Emmaus, then you are likely familiar with this prayer, but if you haven’t participated, I’d like to share this prayer with you today. This prayer goes back to the ninth century and continues to inspire and transform Christians in the twenty-first century.
I pray that in praying this prayer, you may be “truly wise” with the wisdom of God and enjoy all the gifts of God’s grace to strengthen and renew your faith.
Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy your consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.