Daily Scripture: Year 1, Day 35

From A Journal of Sacred Readings

Scripture:
If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will find it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24–26; Mark 8:34–37; Luke 9:23–25)

Read: Slowly read the Scripture passage several times.

Reflect: Reflect and ruminate on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases, or images speak most to you?

Respond: Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.

Rest: What word or image encapsulates the spirit of the passage for you? Take a few minutes to present yourself before God in silence and yieldedness. When your mind wanders, center yourself by returning to the spirit of the passage.