Daily Reflections
Mark 6:30-34
When the apostles returned to Jesus from their mission, they ‘told him all that they had done and taught’ (v. 30). We can imagine the excitement and eagerness with which they crowded round Jesus, all trying to tell him what had happened to them and what they had achieved. Jesus’ response was to take them away to a quiet place to rest for a while. He knew that after their efforts they would need to rest and relax: but, more importantly, he knew that all those who seek to be active in God’s service need times of prayer and retreat. This is why Jesus himself frequently went off into the hills to pray.
In today’s hectic world, we need more than ever to make time for prayer and reflection. The world values productivity above the interior life, and regards time spent in prayer as wasted. But in fact it is in our prayer that we gain the strength and wisdom we need to live godly lives. Prayer is not a retreat from reality: it is in praying that we come in touch with reality. By coming humbly before God, we acknowledge the truth that we are created by him and wholly dependent on him. It is in prayer that we can remind ourselves of the truths of our faith and come to a deeper understanding of them.
Though many of us may not be able to go on retreat, it is important to make some time every day for prayer. In his book Agenda for the Third Millennium Pope John Paul II wrote: ‘Nourish your day with as much prayer as you can and allowing for moments of particular intimacy with the Lord, whether individually or in a group.’ Only prolonged contact with him can transform each of us inwardly into a disciple of his. It is through prayer, meditation and silent listening to God that we are enabled to speak to other people about the divine mystery, to hand it on and to bear witness to it in the presence of others. We are called to pray continually and never to lose heart (Luke 18:1).
‘Heavenly Father, we know that you long to nourish and strengthen us as we come before you in prayer. Grant us the grace to persevere in our prayer and spend time with you, so that we may grow in love for you and communicate that love to those around us.’
1 Kings 3:4-13 • Psalm 118(119):9-14
Mark 6:30-34
Daily Reflections
Subscribe to Bible Alive today, and read Daily Reflections wherever you are!
Shop Categories
Gifts January Sale New Books Walk With Me Winter Reading Faith Today Children's Books General Books Jewellery Bible Alive Catholic Today Exclusive Offers Christian Art and History Donations Papal Books Clearance Parish Ordering Subscriptions Religious Figures Music and DVDs L'Osservatore RomanoList All Products |
Shop Login
Product Search
Can't find a book?
Fill out our enquiry form to register interest in a particular Catholic/ Christian book.
Shopping Cart
Featured Products
 What Good is God?
Price:
£12.99
|
 Bible Alive - UK Gift Subscription
Price:
£19.95
|
 Tears at Night, Joy at Dawn
Price:
£9.99
|
 Light of the World
Price:
£14.99
|
 A5 Liturgical Diary 2012
Price:
£7.99
|
 Papal Visit 2010 Children's Souvenir Scrapbook
Price:
£0.25
|
Top Sellers
Holy Cross Parcels
Make a difference by making a donation and buying a Holy Cross Parcel. Click here
Twitter and Facebook
Our Tweets
Alive Design – Wedding Stationery
Faith Today
Faith Today Trial Subscription
Try out Faith Today for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Faith Today this way and have been with us for years.
Trial Bible Alive Subscription
Try out Bible Alive for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Bible Alive this way and have been with us for years.
Walk With Me
Walk with Me is a prayer and scripture journey for the seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.
Catholic Today Newspaper
Catholic Today is the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. With the latest Birmingham Catholic news and Catholic videocasts.
Christian Publications
Bible Alive - Subscription
Latest Catholic Articles
Daily Reflections
Bible Alive daily reflections are written in an accessible and warm style inviting you to penetrate and plumb the depths of the scripture reading of the day.
Latest Daily Bible ReflectionFree Catalogue
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Walk With Me Daily
Outreach Programmes
Since the beginning Alive Publishing has always had a desire to ‘reach out’ with our Catholic magazines, Catholic books, and other Christian resources.
