Reading – Jeremiah 1:4-10 GNT
The Lord said to me, “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations.”
I answered, “Sovereign Lord, I don’t know how to speak; I am too young.”
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say that you are too young, but go to the people I send you to, and tell them everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Then the Lord reached out, touched my lips, and said to me, “Listen, I am giving you the words you must speak. Today I give you authority over nations and kingdoms to uproot and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Reflection
Chosen and known, loved and understood. Before we even enter this world, we are cherished by God. Such good news! As we step into this New Year that again is already in a frazzled state, let us not be afraid to speak the Good News. God calls us to ‘plant’ with abandon the positive practices of kindness, goodness, patience, peace, forgiveness, gentleness and self-control. We are to live with justice and walk with humility, offering unconditional love to our neighbours, all whom we meet. We are to live in the ‘now’, letting go of what weighs us down from the past, and not worrying about things that are yet to come. Let us never be afraid to share this love that is so lavishly given to us with all God’s world. In this moment, now, God touches our lips and whispers the words we are to speak, the Word of truth, of love, of action. We all have a part in God’s tapestry, a thread which connects with others. Let this be the time, the year, the renewal, where we build hope and plant justice and live peace.
In the stillness of dawn, and in the reflection at dusk, take a moment to breathe in the Spirit of Life, and breathe out the essence of the day. Hear God’s voice as it resonates deep within you. Be at Peace. Be present with love.
1 Cor 13:1-13

Prayer – Breathing Prayer – At Peace, With Love
I breathe in what is before me.
I breathe out what is not for me to keep.
I lay down what is not mine to carry.
I take up God’s cloaking comfort.
I hold the moment of stillness.
I let go the tangle of busyness.
I embrace myself with God’s warming love
I release the fear-filled chills that binds me
I breathe in renewing presence
I stay still and listen.
At peace.
With love.