Starter Prayer: Jesus Christ, Light of the World: Give me eyes to see the Light: The Light of your guidance, the light of my own transformation, and the light within myself and fellow creatures, which shines in the darkness.

Focus Phrase: The Light of the World

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:14-16

Optional Read-along: Water, Wind, Earth and Fire pp. 50b-55a (Chapter Two: Brother Fire, Section: Fire of Illumination.)

Spiritual Direction:

The author begins the read-along essay today saying: Scripture is filled with images of light and fire as symbols of the ways in which God illuminates our world and our souls.

I especially liked the author’s story about a daffodil appearing lit-up from within. We’ve all seen flowers and plants that look alive with light. We also see physical light in fellow humans: radiance in sparkling eyes, smiles, laughter and skin. Christine takes it one step further and contemplates how light is radiating from within her own person. Are you able to see how you illuminate the darkness through your very personhood?

Try this exercise from Water, Wind, Earth and Fire: In Cherokee tradition, fire is associated with the season of summer and the middle of the day. At noontime, the point when the light of the day grows strongest, pause a moment from whatever you’re doing and honor the fire of the day. Face south and say a prayer asking to receive the gift of illumination in the midst of your daily life.

Here’s another one: If you love to watch the sunrise and sunset, take extra time to do so today. Breathe and soak in the majesty of the colors and the moment. What do the beginnings and endings of our days symbolize in your own life? What fire is rising in your life? What fires are fading in your life?

If you’re on the read-along, there are several additional exercises to choose from; I’ve highlighted my favorites.

Be encouraged in your practice,

Katie Martinez

Endnotes

• For daily texts with the Focus Word, Starter Prayer and link to these daily posts, text the word “journey” to 970-500-0970.
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This daily devotion is part of the Summer Growth Journey: Learning to Pray with Nature with Crossroads Church. Many of us are also reading through Water, Wind, Earth & Fire: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements by Christine Valters Paintner. To purchase a copy, or for more information, email us at [email protected].