The gifts I bring to the journey
Grace: I ask the Spirit for an interior knowledge of all the good that I have received.
Text: 1 Cor 12:4-11
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
- I reread the text slowly and stay with what touches me from the text.
- I look back and remember the gifts and blessings I have received in my life. I stop to relish them in my heart.
- I consider how these gifts I received come from Above; like the rays of light from the Sun. I see how my blessings come from God’s infinite goodness.
- I speak to the Giver of these gifts and the fount of these blessings freely and spontaneously.
- I finish with the following prayer:
- Heavenly Father, Thank You for the diverse gifts You have bestowed upon us. Help us to recognize and embrace our unique abilities, not for our own glory, but to serve You and our neighbours. May we use our gifts with joy, working together as one body in Christ. Guide us in our journey to fulfil Your purpose through our lives. Amen.
(Need inspiration? Then refer to these questions.)
- I jot down, in brief, anything that has struck me throughout my prayer.
Other texts for your personal prayer time at home:
Romans 12:3-8 “we, though many, are one body in Christ”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Jos 24:1-13 The Covenant Renewal at Shechem
Need Inspiration? Reflective questions
- What specific gifts or talents do I identify in myself?
- How have these gifts been a blessing in my life?
- When reflecting on the examples of people like St. Francis and Dorothy Day, what aspects of their faith and service resonate with me?
- How can I incorporate these qualities into my own life?
- When have I felt grateful for my gifts?
- Can I recall a specific moment where I saw the impact of my abilities on others?
- In what ways have I actively used my gifts to serve others or my community?
- How did it make me feel, and what was the response of those I served?
- Are there any fears or doubts that hold me back from recognizing or using my gifts?
- How can I overcome these obstacles?
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