Day
7 (January 24), Hospitality for Prayer
Scripture
- 1 Peter 4:7b-10, Be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.
Meditation—Interchurch
Couples
Most
of us today have a family member or two who is from another Christian
tradition. Most often this member is in an ‘Interchurch
Marriage.’
When
I read “discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers,” I think of
interchurch couples I know. Their ‘ecumenical marriages’ (over
20% of all Catholic marriages) are matters of practical ecumenism at the
grassroots level.
Interchurch
couples have certain challenges and opportunities in their relationship that
call for regular prayer and discernment. There is a strong tendency among
such couples to ‘take the path of least resistance,’ to ignore their religious
differences, and to lessen the daily practices of Christian faith. This can
make for a shallow relationship.
The
key here is the discipline of praying together. This is the positive foundation
for discussing the differences that inevitably arise. Successful couples pray
together, decide together, and work together for the good of others.
They
have the discipline to go deeper on the spiritual
journey. Often they seek out the company of other interchurch couples. They
are wise enough to know that they can learn from others. They realize too that
all differences need not be resolved.
Interchurch
couples often bring their wisdom to the church community. Those of us in the
ecumenical movement can learn much from listening to these practical
ecumenists.
Prayer
Lord
Jesus, you asked your apostles to stay awake with you and to pray with you. May
we offer the world protected times and spaces in which to find refreshment and
peace, so that praying together with other Christians we may come to know you
more deeply. Amen.
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