Vocation Spotlight: Eric in a Season of Waiting and Listening to God
At this point in my Christian journey, I am sensing a call to a posture of waiting, listening, and learning what God is leading me to while also growing as a person of prayer and a person of service. While these are broad categories, I envision within each of these more particular expressions: taking active steps to continue to grow in communion with God, spending time in solitude and in community to listen to his voice, to labor for the sake of others, and to be hyper-present and hyper-local in loving my neighbors.
Rule of Life
To cultivate a life of nearness to God and neighbor, and particularly in obedience in decision making and calling, hospitality with neighbors and family, and stewardship of mind, body, and resources.
Practices:
- Be generous in tithing money and giving time
- Practice sabbath
- Grow friendships
- Weekly meet with a close friend
- Welcome and invite emerging friendships
- Practice mutuality and inviting others to pray for me
- Weekly prayer for different individuals and groups
- Daily solitude and prayer (morning and evening prayer)
- Quarterly retreat
- Physical health
- Daily walks and stretches
- Weekly exercise and climbing
- Limit unhealthy foods
- Monthly therapy and counseling
- Monthly spiritual direction
Vocation Prayers
Prayer for Continued Vocational Discernment
God our Father, You have a plan for each one of us, You hold out to us a future full of hope. Give us the wisdom of your Spirit so that we can see the shape of your plan in the gifts you have given us, and in the circumstances of our daily lives. Give us the freedom of your Spirit, to seek you with all our hearts, and to choose your will above all else. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. —Based on Jeremiah 29:11-13
Prayer for Vocational Faithfulness
Creator God, you have blessed us with many gifts. You chose us before the world began, to be your adopted sons and daughters, and to live through love in your presence. Give us wisdom and insight to know your purpose; Give us courage to follow where your Spirit leads us. Give us generosity to serve you through the love of our neighbors. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. —Based on Ephesians 1:3
Vocational Blessing and Commissioning
Lord of the Harvest, Bless these men, women and children of your church with the gift of courage to respond to your call. Open their hearts to your ideals, to good things. Inspire all of these your disciples to mutual love and giving—for vocations blossom in the good soil of faithful people. Instill them with confidence and grace to embrace the bold and noble path of their vocation, wherever it may lead them. Unite us to Jesus through prayer and sacrament, so that we may cooperate with you in building your reign of mercy and truth, of justice and peace.