Celtic Daily Prayer

Today we consider the use of our mind as we face the call: Do you seek Him with all your mind?

Can we respond: Amen. Lord, have mercy.

When Jesus was in conversation with a lawyer we read, “ Then one of the experts in the Law stood up to test him and said, “Master, what must I do to be sure of eternal life?” “What does the Law say and what has your reading taught you?” said Jesus. “The Law says, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind’, and ‘your neighbour as yourself’,” he replied. “Quite right,” said Jesus. “Do that and you will live.” (Luke 10:25-28 - J B Phillips)

Wasn’t it Frances R. Havergal who wrote Take my intellect and use every power as thou shalt choose? 

A man had bought a new gadget-unassembled, of course--and after reading and rereading the instructions he couldn't figure out how it went together. Finally, he sought the help of an old handyman who was working in the backyard. The old fellow picked up the pieces, studied them, then began assembling the gadget. In a short time, he had it put together. "That's amazing," said the man. "And you did it without even looking at the instructions!" 

"Fact is," said the old man, "I can't read, and when a fellow can't read, he's got to think."

So if we are to seek and love the Lord our God with all our mind surely it must be mean employing our intellect. Another hymn writer puts it so well when he says, Jesus, the very thought of Thee with sweetness fills my breast; But sweeter far Thy face to see, And in Thy presence rest. “

We may well ask, Do I seek God with all my mind and intelligently respond, Amen Christ have mercy.

We thank you, God,

for coming to us as a neighbour, a stranger, an immigrant,

binding our wounds and carrying us to safety,

so that we might love you with all our heart, soul, and mind,

and welcome the stranger,

loving our neighbour as ourselves.