Page 91 - Nurturing the Nurturer 2018 Flip Page Program
P. 91
Deepening Your Commitment to God
Our relationship with God - Father, Son & Holy Spirit - usually flowers in our lives only
after we turn our hearts toward the new life bestowed by the sacraments, that is, after we
undergo a personal spiritual awakening and begin earnestly seeking to live our faith. This
experience is often called by different names, such as “conversion,” “renewal,” or “Baptism
in the Holy Spirit.” Whether the experience is sudden and dramatic, or cumulative and
quiet, the result is the same; you begin to seek God, to live as an intentional disciple of
Christ, and to open yourself to being used by the Holy Spirit.
If you haven’t had this kind of spiritual awakening or would like to draw closer to the Lord,
you might want to take a moment to deepen your commitment. The faith professed by the
Church is personal and intimate. If your religious experience has been one of performing
duties and rituals that are not an expression of your inner love of the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit - you’re missing the whole point! Jesus says to each one of us personally: ‘Come
follow me” (Matt 4:19), “I am the way, the truth, the life” (John 14:6). If we say “yes” we
step onto a path, a whole new way of living, in which
We are enabled to relate to God as a loving parent
We are forgiven and are made able to forgive
We are transformed in our ability to love and hope
We gain a life and purpose that is eternal.
This life is open to every human person. It is yours if you ask for it and commit your life to
God. If you want to, you can do it now.
Sit quietly a moment. Listen to Christ calling you: Come, follow me. If you are ready, tell
him. Ask him to forgive all the wrong things you have done, or said or thought. Ask for his
guidance. Offer your life to him. You can do this in your own words, or use the following
prayer:
Holy One, I believe you sent your Son, Jesus, to show me the way to you. I believe in you
and want to know you as you have revealed yourself in him. I deeply desire to be one of
your children, to follow your Son, and draw closer to you. Forgive me for the evil things I
have done. Guide me. Let me enter you love. I entrust my life to you. Show me the way.
Amen.
Be silent. Listen. Notice what is happening inside you. Thank and praise God. Making a
personal commitment to God is only the beginning of the relationship. It’s the proposal, not
the marriage. If you are a Baptized Catholic, you can make good on your words by
receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and going back to Mass. You cannot follow Jesus
fully and refuse to be a part of his Church, because he established it as his Body on earth
(Col. 1:18). If you are not Catholic and would like to find out more contact Joanne
Suwinski at 678-466-1733.
91
