Friday, September 08, 2006

Mental Prayer for September 9-Charity and Race

Mental Prayer Meditation Helps

Presence of God

Grace I Ask: God, teach me to know what charity is and give me the strength to practice it.

The Idea: Charity is based on what we know is right, not on feelings. We know that in God's sight all men are basically equal because all men share or can share in God's own life through sancti­tying grace. Often our likes and dislikes lead us to be uncharitable toward individuals in words or deeds. Often our likes or dislikes lead us to be uncharitable toward a whole race. Our feelings, our surroundings, or the attitude of those about us shape our actions instead of the Golden Rule of Christ. In many parts of the world today hatred of races is a terrible problem. It is a problem that will be solved only by the charity of Christ. Only a Christlike understanding of both sides and a Christlike effort to remove the causes will end the un-Christian blight of racial hatred. And I have the duty in charity to make this effort.

My Personal Application: In my attitude toward those of another race - Negro, Jew, Spanish-­American, Oriental, white, whatever race it may be - am I influenced by those around me or by Christ? The Golden Rule practiced out of love for God - so easy to understand, so difficult to practice!

I Speak to God: God, give me strength to make sure I have a Christlike attitude toward all men, no matter who they are or what they do.

Thought for Today: "If a man says he loves God while he hates his fellowmen, he is a liar." (1 John 4:20)
__________________
Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)

No comments: