Is God's Calling Flexible?

Lectio Divina Out Loud: Erika Dix struggles with coming to daily prayer, and shares how God showed her ways to overcome that struggle.

He went up the mountain and summoned those whom He wanted and they came to Him. He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with Him and He might send them forth to preach. (Mark 3:13-14)

Timing. It's all about timing. Baking, driving, LIFE. Then there’s God’s timing. Just as important, and even more so. I have been struggling with timing, and that’s why this Scripture passage urged me to look at how I’m timing my life.

It has been a while since I’ve had regular daily prayer in the morning, and most of that is due to timing. I feel like my timing in the morning is flexible, since most of my work is in my home, and my schedule is mostly my own. I’m flexible for everyone around me, so I can fulfill my support role to them. At the same time, there are things I need to do to support me and what I need to do. This passage reminds me that there are things even beyond my needs and those around me that are not flexible.

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned His disciples. And they came. That’s not flexible! When I first read that part, I became fearful. Were the apostles fearful? We hear about them being fearful later during the Passion, but were they fearful at The Call? They still came when they were summoned.

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Daily prayer time is important. God is summoning me up to Him: to connect, contemplate, and be taught. #catholicmom

Daily prayer time is important. God is summoning me up to Him: to connect, contemplate, and be taught. He has provided for me an invitation: all I need to do is show up! St. Agnes showed up, St. Thérèse of Lisieux showed up, and our Blessed Mother showed up.

“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

Jesus felt this same way too, and He was facing something way more fearful than what God is calling me to do right now. God is calling me, through Jesus’ summoning, to be with Him, and to send me out to preach. First step: come up to God, in daily prayer, when He summons me. Second step: take a breath, be with Jesus, and let Him send me out to preach. I’m not a speaker, but I can write. Also, I was told recently by a dear friend that I am “welcoming,” so I can also preach with my actions.

My fear and temptation will always knock me down if I let it. In this case, it is feeling like my daily prayer time is flexible, and that I can lie in bed those extra minutes and rest. What can overcome that fear and temptation? Practice. Lots and lots of daily prayer and practice.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, today I will commit to God time (like I’ve committed to exercise, work, sleep, and so on). I will recommit to daily prayer. I will recommit to writing, and preach through my actions. St. Agnes, St. Therese, and Our Blessed Mother, please pray for me. Amen.

woman praying and reading a Bible