My Father led me to Luke 12: 11-12, and I lingered over the promise of the Holy Spirit teaching us in time of need. I felt that my Father wanted to say something in particular to me through this, but, as yesterday, He required patience of me first. I repeated the verse again and again, savoring it, and waiting. My patience was rewarded by a practical example of the truth of the promise. Earlier, I had received a package of SIG material from the editor I am replacing. It contained a letter criticizing an article I had written for a previous issue of the newsletter. As the new editor, I would need to be particularly diplomatic in my response. While reading the letter, I had asked for His help in answering it. While at prayer, the Holy Spirit did teach me, providing the words I needed. At one point, I wondered if, indeed, this was prayer, or if I was being distracted by my own problem-solving attempt. (1) My Father reminded me that He had given His approval to my accepting this editorship, and that I had done so with the understanding that He would aid me. Why, He seemed to ask, did I doubt the aid? (2) That set my mind to rest, and now I know, beyond doubt, the truth of the passage. (3)

(1) Spiritual director: Good question.

(2) Spiritual director: Good answer.

(3) Spiritual director: Sometimes you may be tempted to problem-solve during prayer. It’s good to try to find out what God wants and what comes from our own desire to “do,” “escape,” etc. Sometimes working during prayer can lead to dropping prayer all together in favor of work. So being sensitive to God the way you were helped make sure you were receiving the inspiration from Him.