Welcome
Missionaries of Merciful Love
"I have come to cast fire on the earth"
Day One
Exodus 34:5-7
The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name, "The Lord." The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.
Reflection
The Lord revealed to Moses that he is a God of merciful love, desiring to forgive our sins. We begin our 40 days of spiritual preparation by focusing on the truth that God is love. Even though we are often unfaithful, God is faithful. Jesus prepared for his public ministry by 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness. We can learn from Jesus' example of self-denial and make more room in our lives for the word of God, especially these next 40 days.
We can fast from food, but we can also fast from other things like tv, excessive internet use, etc. We come before the Lord confessing our sins, trusting in his merciful love and forgiveness. God calls us to holiness, but he is gracious and patient with us. Try to find a partner over these next 40 days to pray and share with you on this spiritual journey. Start each day by reading the daily scripture passage, reflect on it for a little while, then read the reflection (and discuss it if you are with your partner) and close with the prayer. May the Lord bless you as you begin your exciting journey to a deeper union with Him!
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, help me to be devoted to you. Give me the strength to follow you each day. I want to be more like you. I pray Lord that you would reveal yourself to me. As I devote the next 40 days to journey with you, please draw me even closer to your heart. Strip away those things in my life that are not in allignment with your will for me. Give me the courage to move with you. Help me to be obedient. I love you Jesus.
Amen
40 Day Spiritual Preparation Course
Divine Mercy image copyright The Marians.
Used with permission.
