Sunday, January 7, 2018

Eight Questions for the New Year


Before you put away the ornaments from the Christmas tree, file recipes of food you only prepare for holidays and organize your presents, get a sheet of paper and a pen to record a few thoughts.

Reflect on experiences during the month of December and record what came to mind. Consider these questions.

     1. Where did I see God?
     2. How did I experience God?
     3. When did I offer God's love?

Keep a copy of what you wrote where you can reference throughout 2018, perhaps in the spring after Easter, during July, and in October as preparations for next Christmas begin.

The answers that come from the questions can reveal the fullness of God's presence as well as give form to changes you might want to implement during the year or in future holiday seasons.

Additional reflections for the new year examine your life and priorities. Respond to each for a sense of cleansing and direction in 2018.

     1. For what am I longing?
     2. What themes keep recurring in my life?
     3. Where am I struggling?
     4. What is most life-giving to me?
     5. What is least life-giving?

Jesus spent time away for prayer. Although we do not know the content of his reflections, he gave us a model of the importance of being still with God. We, too, can be still before God and ask these questions, seeking wisdom and insight from above.

Prayer: God, at the beginning of a new year, help us collect our experiences with you and others from 2017. Guide us as we use these eight questions to realize your presence with us to offer new energy and focus within and guide us in service to you. Amen.

1 comment:

  1. Good questions for reflection. I think the first two in the second set are provocative: "For what am I longing?" and "What themes keep recurring in my life?"

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