Jan 25 Daily Devotional

Cultivate steps for spiritual growth each day this week.

January 25: Joy, Gratitude, and Prayer

• Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
• Reflection: In this passage, we hear three basic practices that build spiritual muscles. We have discussed them before, and review them again here:

1. Joy may be cultivated as a deep wellspring of groundedness and attentiveness and appreciation, from which arise hope, empowerment, and awe. They are aspects of resilience.
2. Thankfulness helps to balance fear and anxiety and anger, creating a sense of equilibrium, providing perspective as a foundation for sustainability and wellbeing.
3. Prayer involves connection and conversation with Holy Love, by whatever name you encounter that sacred presence that is larger than yourself. Choosing to engage in a dialogue, whether you sit in silence, speak aloud, write, move, dance, paint, sing or find another way to communicate … you reinforce relationship to Love.

• Spiritual Discipline: Start a gratitude jar this week; write down three things to be thankful for each day.

• We Pray by Cold Play: https://youtu.be/VZRevp5HlE4?si=AwU-MiOVwBxVZ4HY
• Pray by MC Hammer: https://youtu.be/mye1aCskFcM?si=EY0EHQRY92uZA_fA
• Pray by CeCe Winans: https://youtu.be/5kOy_RSG9E8?si=6RymN9CdFoKKg94C

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Joy and creativity — Psychology Today, full article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-resilience/202207/cultivating-joy-after-change-and-uncertainty

There are many ways we can cultivate joy and remind ourselves of the ways in which we can feel hope-filled and energized. One way to cultivate joy is to make a list of things that bring unique and blissful moments of joy.

Making a list or knowing does nothing to transform our lives if we don’t take action, though. So, let’s explore some easy and joyful ways to move lists from inspiration to committed action.

• Scheduling: Set aside time for play, creativity, unproduc­tivity, and emotional expression. Creating blocks of time in our calendars to enjoy cre­ative expression, feel our feelings, inhabit our bodies, and just be well gets us that much closer to making it happen.
• Celebration: Recognize the efforts, wins, and the little moments of victory in rising. Celebrate for the big and the small.
• Awareness and intention: Identify the desire to bring more joy, ease, creativity, and flow.
• Attitude: We have the power to create our reality through the perspective we choose to see through. Bring on the enthusiasm of a growth mindset and embrace curiosity and light-heartedness
• Music: Music has the power to boost, transform, and validate moods. Create mood playlists and enjoy the hunt for new songs that inspire and soothe.
• Follow the energy: When we feel good, we have more energy to do the things we love and make an impact. Seek out people, experiences, and responsibilities that bring life and energy.
• Spirit and soul: The word inspiration means be in-spirit. What feeds your soul? What motivates you to live in a way that feels good. Find your higher power through purpose.
• Reclaim: Reclaim your right to emotions and recovery. All emotions are neutral; they need a mindful and compassionate witness.