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FOCUS VERSE: “What of the wisdom from above? First, it is pure, and then peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions, fair, and genuine.” — James 3:17 (CEB)

PRAYER OF PRESENCE: Dear Lord, help me to present to all your have to offer in this moment. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: James 3:13-18

HYMN FOR REFLECTION:
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtLyazlAiXk 

The Unspeakable Gift
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788

  1. Happy the man who finds the grace,
    The blessing of God's chosen race,
    The wisdom coming from above,
    The faith that sweetly works by love.
  2. Wisdom divine! who tells the price
    Of wisdom's costly merchandise?
    Wisdom to silver we prefer,
    And gold is dross compared to her.
  3. Her hands are filled with length of days,
    True riches, and immortal praise,
    Riches of Christ on all bestowed,
    And honour that descends from God.
  4. To purest joys she all invites,
    Chaste, holy, spiritual delights;
    Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
    And all her flowery paths are peace.
  5. Happy the man who wisdom gains;
    Thrice happy, who his guest retains;
    He owns, and shall for ever own,
    Wisdom, and Christ, and heaven, are one.

REFLECTION:

You may have heard someone say that the life of faith is simple but not necessarily easy. Navigating this life calls us to seek far more than just knowledge. The journey of faith, with all its challenges and complexities, requires us to seek, gain, and practice deep wisdom. We live in an age where knowledge is abundant—facts are available at our fingertips. Yet, as Howard Thurman wisely observed, “Knowledge abounds on every hand by which my steps may be guided. Facts, facts, facts... But facts are not the heart of my need. The Wisdom of God is my abiding strength.” To live a life of wisdom, rooted in God’s truth, is a worthy and necessary pursuit for all who follow Christ.

Over the last decade, E. Stanley Jones, the great Methodist missionary, has become one of my heroes of the faith. His life and ministry were singular in purpose: to bring others to Christ. Yet, what makes him a hero for me is not merely his evangelistic zeal but his profound wisdom in engaging others with gentleness, humility, and authenticity. Jones understood that faith and wisdom must reach beyond knowledge, touching the very core of our being and shaping our relationships.

Serving as a missionary in India, Jones befriended Mahatma Gandhi and through his writtings introduced Martin Luther King, Jr. to Gandhi’s principle of non-violence. In the religiously pluralistic context of India, Jones’s ministry was marked by wisdom that was pure and peaceable, patient and full of mercy. He demonstrated a deep respect for the dignity of all people, embodying a Christlike love that transcended cultural and religious boundaries. For Jones, the Gospel was not merely for one group but for all people—a universal message of transformation and grace.

His ability to balance conviction with compassion, to engage without judgment, and to lead others toward new life in Christ serves as a powerful example of the kind of wisdom we are called to pursue. As followers of Jesus, may we seek the kind of wisdom that not only informs but transforms—wisdom that is peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. In doing so, we, too, can embody the love of Christ, becoming agents of His grace in a world desperately in need of both truth and compassion.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Merciful Lord, the Comforter and Teacher of Your faithful people, increase in Your Church the desires which You have given, and confirm the hearts of those who hope in You by enabling them to understand the depth of Your promises, that all Your adopted sons may even now behold, with the eyes of faith, and patiently wait for, the light which as yet You dost not openly manifest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

— Ambrose of Milan (339-397)

WEEKLY PRACTICE: Jan 1 - 4 (Wed - Sat)

Writing as a Spiritual Practice: Keeping a Prayer Journal

Start strong with a journal as you pray. For just 4 days, make a point of putting pen to paper with at least one word. You may copy down a scripture focus for the day, or write an expression of thoughts during your prayer time. Even if all you can think of is one word or theme, when written down you will find success as you are writing a spiritual practice. Feel free to carry this practice into the rest of the days of this month as well. 

May this act of praying on paper be a practice of renewal and hope. Amen.

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