Clay

​STEP #1: LECTIO / READ

Jeremiah 18:1-6
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This word came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
Rise up, be off to the potter’s house;
there I will give you my message.
I went down to the potter’s house and there he was, 
working at the wheel.
Whenever the object of clay which he was making
turned out badly in his hand, 
he tried again,
making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.
Then the word of the LORD came to me:
Can I not do to you, house of Israel,
as this potter has done? says the LORD.
Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter,
so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

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STEP #2: MEDITATIO / MEDITATE

Have you ever seen a potter throw and shape a piece of clay? If not, I would highly suggest looking it up on YouTube because it is pretty remarkable! 

A few months ago I visited a pottery shop and was able to make a cup out of clay. It was a lot harder than I expected. I basically moved my hands under the guidance of the potter, but my cup looked pretty good. When I went to take it off the wheel, however, I fumbled my hands dropping the cup and it was no longer able to be used as it was. I was sad and a little upset with myself, but the potter reassured me that he would still be able to use that clay.

The first reading today from Jeremiah reminded me of that moment. 

We need to remember that God is the Master Potter. He can make beauty out of anything, even when we think it is messed up and no good. When I see how precise and patient the master clay potters are in the videos, it reminds me that God is even more precise and patient with me as he shapes my life.

There are times while being formed where I do not understand the plan and I think I have a better design, but God is the Master Potter and has an exquisite design in plan. The most beautiful thing, which is displayed in today’s reading, is that even if something does not go as planned, God will continue to shape me. When I fumble, God still takes me and can make something extravagant out of me. 

I find it challenging at times to let God form me in His hands. I want to take over the design because I know what is best, right? But when I let God shape, mold, and design my life, it is way more beautiful than I could have imagined! I simply need to be clay in His hands.

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​STEP #3: ORATIO / PRAY

"Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel."

Am I allowing myself to be clay in God's hands?

When have I thought my designs where better than God's designs?

Has there been a time when I thought things were a disaster, then stepped aside and let God take over? What was the result?

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​STEP #4: CONTEMPLATIO / CONTEMPLATE

"Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand"

"Trust in God's design for your life."

​"Jesus, I trust in you."

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​FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAY...

Consider how God is forming and shaping your life today. Trust in God's plan and simply be clay in God's hands

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​SMARTPHONE LOCK SCREEN

Today's prayer was prepared by Kayla Essner.