Cultivating Peace
In this episode, we begin a series on cultivating the garden of our hearts and reflect on what it means to cultivate peace–as a fruit that grows from communion with God. The cultivation of peace is not something we control. It comes from learning to rest in God’s presence, even amid life’s storms. We talk practically about how to tend the soil of our hearts, so that peace can take root and grow into a fruit that becomes a visible witness to others. We also discuss how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, invites us to make room for His presence, allowing His breath to bring healing where fear and sin have disrupted our peace.
Show Notes
One Thing We Love This Week:
- Sister Miriam’s one thing - Healed by Love: Contemplation as a Path of Healing according to St. John of the Cross by Daniel Chowning, OCD
Michelle’s one thing - Feast: A Men’s Devotional for Advent by Paul George
Heather’s one thing - Triumph of the Heart is now streaming!
Discussion Questions
How are you trying to control your life and heart rather than cultivating?
What things motivate you to operate out of fear or mistrust?
How can you internally cultivate peace?
How can you externally cultivate peace?
Journal Questions:
-
What places of my heart are filled with anxiety or despair?
Where am I seeking to be fixed instead of seeking communion with the Lord?
What sins am I justifying that are robbing me of peace?
What lies am I trying to talk myself into?
Who or what are you trying to fix in your life that you need to surrender to the Lord?
Quotes to Ponder:
“Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.”
“Peace does not come from the absence of problems, but from the presence of God.”
Scripture for Lectio Divina:res
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”— Philippians 4:6-7
