Inviting God into your day
A Christian Science perspective.
How many times do we vow to do better, to be kinder, to speak more gently – even to be nicer to ourselves?
And then our resolve dissolves in the heat of the moment or we capitulate to the pressure that provides us with an excuse for our lapse.
I recall arising one morning and promising myself that today I was not going to raise my voice, be critical, or put myself down. As well intentioned as this declaration was, I realized that it lacked the divine impulsion that would ensure its success.
More was needed. I prayed to be receptive to God’s direction, knowing Him as ever available to help whenever called upon. This Bible verse came to thought, offering a model I could emulate: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalms 19:14). A peaceful calm replaced the self-determination I had been feeling.
That morning, with renewed inspiration, I approached two situations that had been troubling me. A travel plan that seemed stuck in an unacceptable pattern was resolved. With that encouraging sign, the solution to a computer problem that had baffled me for several months became evident. I viewed these small but gratifying resolutions as modest answers to my prayers.
With a greater daily awareness of God with us, we can view challenges as opportunities to acknowledge His active presence and its accompanying assurance that He “pours the riches of His love into the understanding and affections, giving us strength according to our day” (Mary Baker Eddy, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” p. 5). We can gratefully accept every evidence of these “riches of His love” as proof that He is causing and supporting our good intentions, setting them on a course guaranteed to be satisfying and fruitful.
Right intent directs our thoughts into selfless, productive channels. With God in our day, we are motivated not only to do the right thing, but to want to do it, sincerely and genuinely. His presence aligns our aims with their original purpose, to let His light shine through everything we say and do.
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