May 22, 2013 PART 2 Courage: the third of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure Third, grant us courage, by which we may ward off the attack of evil. I’ve always appreciated the words of Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this
May 21, 2013 PART 3 Counsel the second of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure Second, grant us counsel, by which we may follow in your footsteps on the path of righteousness. Have you ever been in one of those moments when the right words came to you? Have you been in one of those situations when the perfect words came to you 2 1/2 hours later than you needed
May 21, 2013 PART 2 Counsel the second of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure Second, grant us counsel, by which we may follow in your footsteps on the path of righteousness. Spiritual Exercise: Seeking God’s counsel requires us to listen to God. Take a few minutes to quiet yourself with this exercise: Fill my lungs (inhale slowly) With the Breath of Life (exhale slowly) Fill my spirit (inhale slowly)
May 21, 2013PART 1 Counsel the second of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. BonaventureSecond, grant us counsel, by which we may follow in your footsteps on the path of righteousness. Scripture: Psalm 106:12-14Then they believed his words; they sang his praise. But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel. But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in
May 20, 2013 PART 4 Understanding-The First of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure First, grant us the gift of understanding, by which your teachings may enlighten our minds. In the words of St. Francis, “grant that I may not so much seek…to be understood, as to understand…” O Heavenly Father, let us be slow in our desire to speak, swift in our willingness to listen. Through Christ, help
May 20, 2013 PART 3 Understanding-The First of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure First, grant us the gift of understanding, by which your teachings may enlighten our minds. I realized long ago that many Christians viewed curiosity as a sign of doubt. To ask questions within an exploitative mindset gave the impression that the person asking the questions did not have all the answers. Well guess what – we
May 20, 2013 PART 1 Understanding-The First of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure First, grant us the gift of understanding, by which your teachings may enlighten our minds. Scripture: Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Thought for the Day: I’m still waiting for the day when God speaks audibly and clearly in regard to the meaning and purpose of life.
May 20, 2013 PART 2 Understanding-The First of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure First, grant us the gift of understanding, by which your teachings may enlighten our minds. Acts 19:17 (the Message) It was soon news all over Ephesus among both Jews and Greeks. The realization spread that God was in and behind this. Curiosity about Paul developed into reverence for the Master Jesus. “The important thing is not
A Simple Spiritual Practice: Before going to bed tonight, review your plans for tomorrow. Think about where you will go and who you might see. Look for potential opportunities to take advantage of what is already going to be occurring. For example, you might be headed to a meeting in the early afternoon, but you know that a beautiful park is near where you will be. Take your
Prayer of St. Bonaventure Focus Prayer For This Week Lord Jesus, as God’s Spirit came down and rested upon you, May the same Spirit rest on us, Bestowing your sevenfold gifts: First, grant us the gift of understanding, By which your teachings may enlighten our minds. Second, grant us counsel, by which we may follow in your footsteps on the path of righteousness. Third, grant us courage, by