My Faith My Life

Discerning Gifts

Almighty God, whose loving had has given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance, and, remembering the account which we mush one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. (BCP, page 827)

Jesuit Media Initiatives produces daily meditations written by British Jesuits and other experts in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This 10-minute meditation, based on a reading from 2 Peter, guides listeners in noticing and being thankful for the gifts that God has given us. It is a helpful meditation as part of an exploration of discerning one's gifts. 

The music that begins the meditation is by the monks of Keur Moussa, a Benedictine abbey in Senegal, Africa. Keur Moussa means "House of Moses." Sung in French and Wolof (the language of Senegal), their music weaves together the traditions of Africa and western plainchant.

Click the "play" button on the left to begin the meditation. The text of the meditation is below.

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2 Peter 1:2-7

May you have more and more grace and peace as you come to know our Lord more and more. By his divine power, he has given us all the things that we need for life and for true devotion, bringing us to know God himself, who has called us by his own glory and goodness. In making these gifts, he has given us the guarantee of something very great and wonderful to come: through them you will be able to share the divine nature and to escape corruption in a world that is sunk in vice. But to attain this, you will have to do your utmost yourselves, adding goodness to the faith that you have, to your goodness understanding, to your understanding self-control, to your self-control patience, to your patience true devotion, to your devotion kindness towards your fellow men and women, and to this kindness, love.

Questions for reflection:

The readings speak of the gifts God has given us. Take a moment to ask God to show you some of the gifts in your life-- friends or family, or situations, or personal gifts--all the things that bring you life, energy, and lightness of heart.

As you consider these gifts, ponder how they can help you to come closer to God, how they offer you opportunities for faith, generosity, patience, or love.

As you listen to the the reading a second time, is there a particular gift that you desire? Or one that particularly appeals to you?

Read the lesson a second time

Take a few minutes now to talk to God as you might to a friend, giving thanks for the gifts in your life, and asking for what you desire as you come to know God himself.

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