Tonight we will be reading through meditations 11-15 of Book III of The Imitation of Christ. In meditation 3.15, á Kempis writes of what it means to discern, know, and carry out God’s will. “Not every desire is from the Holy Spirit,” and therefore, how do we know God’s will for us? I have attached the first chapter from Henri Nouwen’s Discernment where he discusses this same issue as á Kempis. Within this chapter, Nouwen takes us through how we can come to understand Christ’s will in our lives. He concludes, similar to á Kempis, that “discernment is rooted in spiritual practice, yet it is not a step-by-step process. It requires, learning to listen for and recognize over time the voice and character of God in our hearts and daily lives.” (p.18). In preparation for this evening, think through what it means to conform to God’s will and to pray that his will be done in us as in heaven.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is gourmet grilled cheese and Italian wedding soup. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here. Please bring a friend.
And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. .
Colossians 1:9-12