Discerning God's will

Part of the spirit's gift is discernment. If we are to pray for ourselves and others according to the mind of Christ we need to be led by the spirit to know what to pray for and how and when. Jesus too had to pray for discernment; his mind was subjected to the Spirit not automatically but through prayer. He needed to soak himself in the Father's presence and sensitize himself to the Father's will. …

In conforming our minds to the mind of Christ the Spirit also gives us the attitudes the Lord demanded if prayer is to be acceptable: total forgiveness, a spirit of repentance and unconditional trust. If we come before God to ask for healing for others, whether physical, mental or moral, whether individual or social, we must be prepared for the work to begin on ourselves: 'Heal my wife/husband, but change me first'; 'Heal that apparently impossible situation, but begin by clearing the blocks in me that prevent me from being an open channel for your power.' In attuning us to himself the Lord deepens our loving awareness of one another; when our relationships are right he can use us as channels for what he wants to give infinitely more than we can want to receive it.

Maria Boulding, Marked for Life (SPCK, 1985)

Richard Harvey, Kyrie for the Magdalene.
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, dir. Paul Hillier

Margaret Olley (Australian, 1923-2011). Cornflowers.