MIND

I beseech thee (Philemon) for my son Onesimus...

whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive

him... But without thy mind would I do nothing:

that thy benefit should not be as it were of

necessity but willingly.

Philemon 10,12a,14

Meditation

Do I encourage others to make up their minds freely, or have I

developed a habit of making subtle or not-so-subtle demands?

Affirmation

Freedom of mind is in Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Forgive me Father, through you son Christ Jesus, for the demanding pressures

I have put on others to do my will. Help me aspire to a greater freedom in you.

SOUL

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

and why art thou disquieted in me?

hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise

him for the help of his countenance.

Psalms 42:5

Meditation

How shall I speak to my soul, and what part of me is speaking?

Affirmation

God is the lover of souls.

Prayer

Lord, please give me patience with my soul's down times; may I praise you forever.

HEART

For we commend not ourselves again unto you,

but give you occasion to glory on our behalf,

that you may have somewhat to answer them

which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

II Corinthians 5:12

Meditation

What do I have to say to people who glory in appearances?

Affirmation

The heart of the matter is what matters most to me.

Prayer

Thank you for the glorious hearts of your apostles and disciples, precious

Lord, my friend and redeemer.

MIND

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord

hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not

done them of mine own mind.

Numbers 16:28

Meditation

When lately have I known works which seem to be from the mind of God?

Affirmation

I detach from my own thoughts and let God through.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, thank you for the powerful and humble example of your

servant Moses! May I be less attached to my own thoughts and seek yours instead.

SOUL

For ye were as sheep going astray:

but are now returned unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.

1 Peter 2:25

Meditation

Have I had enough of the dangers that arise from wandering without my Shepherd?

Affirmation

My soul has been returned to the care of Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Creator God, I repent with my whole soul of the pain caused by my straying from your care.

HEART

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house

of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them: for I have

mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them

off: for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them. And they of

Ephraim shall be like a mighty man... their heart shall

rejoice in the Lord.

Zechariah 10:6,7

Meditation

How do the qualities of strength and joy emerge as I come to the place God has for me?

Affirmation

I feel joyful and strong in my relationship with God.

Prayer

Thank you God, for hearing your people, for leading, and for your tender mercy

throughout history.

MIND

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care

into the heart of Titus for you... And not that only, but who

was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this

grace, which is administered to us to the glory of the same

Lord, and declaration of your ready mind...

2 Corinthians 8:16,19

Meditation

Who is responsible for a mind's readiness to receive the Gospel?

Affirmation

Grace abounds to the glory of God.

Prayer

Thanks be to you, O God, and glory for all hearts and minds which through

your grace come to you, and minister for you.