Nurture Hope
November 12th, 2009Thursday’s Reflection
HOPE DOES NOT build on certainty. To hope means we cannot be completely sure. There are no guarantees. Coming to God with a mixture of hope and excitement is normal and human. We may even experience less welcome feelings alongside hope, such as anxiety, fear, and distrust. But those feelings are acceptable. God welcomes us with whatever degree and quality of hope possible for us. Even if the hope is simply an inexpressible desire for something more, it has power, and its power grows as we nurture the hope in God’s presence.
- Mary Lou Redding
While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent
From pp. 23-24 of While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent by Mary Lou Redding. Copyright © 2002 by the author. Used with permission of The Upper Room. All Rights Reserved. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Advent begins on November 29, 2009. Check out our Advent/Christmas resources.
Today’s Question
How do you nurture hope in yourself and others? Share your reflections.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.”
- Mark 13:5-6, NIV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for public servants and veterans. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Praying with Eyes Open. Many of us were taught to close our eyes when we pray. Praying with icons is an ancient prayer practice that involves keeping our eyes wide open, taking into our heart what the image visually communicates. Try praying with icons.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Lucretia Mott (November 11).
- Lectionary Readings:
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November 12th, 2009 at 4:40 am
Father – thank You for responding to varying levels of hope. Might I be mindful that You know me better than I know myself – and I am grateful that You allow me to only see/know so much. Increase my faith, help my unbelief – I will continue to come Father…me in my filthy rags…You there to receive me with open arms. If You will it Father – increase my understanding of the distance from the east to the west – and how far You make that. You are my Awesome Father.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:09 am
I suspect that my view of hope is not entirely Biblically based. A famous heroine in fiction said, “after all, tomorrow is another day.” That made a lasting impression on me when I was a young girl, and I recall it even today.
Recently a close relative was discouraged about continuation and progress in school and my comment was things may seem dismal today, but tomorrow things will look better. . .the sun will be shining, things will look better tomorrow. . .
The writer in Hebrews refers to our full assurance in faith, since Jesus died for our sins. . .
I recall the things that God has done for me and the blessings of the past, and remind myself that even though things may be at a low point today, it will get better. . .This is my view of hope, that it will get better in the future. Each new day affirms my hope. This helps me to persevere.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Look at Hannah. She poured out her soul to God in prayer. The priest encouraged her, saying may God grant your petition. Hannah had hope that she would have a son, going so far as to commit him to the Lord before he was conceived. Prayer and worship and the encouragement of others nurtured her hope. She entreated the Lord to act for her.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:43 am
I ‘nurture hope’ in myself and other by praying. The Lord has answered so many of my prayers and that assures my hope-for the future of my life, my marriage, my family…I have a hopeful spirit, whereas I used to only feel despair and gloom. The difference is Christ.
November 12th, 2009 at 8:14 am
I sure hope….takes on new meaning with today’s reflection. I get that its not just a passive wish, an empty expression but a force that with respect, attention, presentation to God, can become a powerful force. “But now faith, HOPE, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. …. 1 Corinthians: 13″. Does this mean that hope is a necessary part of love and faith or their precurser? I sure hope he calls me, I hope it doesn’t rain, I hope tomorrow is better…..Maybe I use the word too casually wanting events that aren’t essential to my spiritual wellbeing. Not sure but welcome your insights and really hope the best for all of you.
November 12th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Faith (and hope) is being certain of what we cannot see.
Hope is planting a seed, literal or metaphorical, and believing there will be fruit.
Hope is trusting that God’s plan is better than mine.
Hope is going to bed and knowing the sun will rise again tomorrow– and even if it did not, God is still in charge.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Hope in the Bible refers to “confident expectation” not the wishful thinking the world means. (From Vines.) Our expectations from God are all in the Bible and through prayer and study with others and alone that hope grows to become God said it, I believe it. I know that I know.