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Reflecting on 2018 with eyes of faith…*

Galatians 5:22-23

We are created in God’s image and likeness. God’s image is given. God’s likeness is what we become by our choices and the work of the Holy Spirit in us.

So…try this ancient form of prayer practice to look back on 2018 to gain insight and wisdom for your journey.

Noticing the Good/God Moments
Center yourself in God’s Love and then think back over the past year…

What were the “light” moments/events…the good things that happened? Times when you felt alive and were giving and receiving love freely? Where did you see God’s hand in these things?

What hard things happened?  In what ways did God help you through the hard things? What quality of yours helped you through the hard things?

What were you praying for when you started the year? What answers did you see later in the year?

In what moments did you experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self control in yourself or in those you love…Galatians 5: 22-23)

Responding
Take some time to respond to God’s presence in your life in 2018. Find a way to respond that resonates with you (verbal prayer, making a mandala, recalling a song or poem, resting in gratitude for a few minutes…)

 

Noticing Resistance
Remaining centered in God’s Love and faithfulness, think back over the year…listen/notice where you resisted the movement of God in your life. Times when you were not able/willing to give and receive love…times when you know God was calling you to do something and you didn’t do it…or moments/situations when you were not living in the Way of Jesus. In looking back, what indications were there that God was trying to get your attention?

In what moments/situations were you not able/willing to experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…(Galatians 5: 22-23)

Responding
Bringing these moments of resistance into God’s presence, receive the forgiveness, insights, learnings  that may be offered by the Holy Spirit in this time…or later. Rest in the grace of God, knowing that we cannot earn God’s love…we can only allow, surrender to, receive it.

 

Closing

A simple “thank-you” is great!

*compiled from various sources: Lynne Baab, The Linns, Jan Bihl