Today’s scripture: Psalm 18:1-3, 21-23, 30-33 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tyler Connoley):
There was a time in my life when I left the Church and studied other religions. And, although I chose to come back to Christianity, I still find much wisdom in Buddhist teachings, particularly those of Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Monk now living in France.
Thich Nhat Hanh teaches his followers to repeat the “three refuges” to themselves whenever they hear a bell, gong, or even a telephone ringer: I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha. I take refuge in the Buddha.
The Dharma is usually thought of as the recorded teachings of the Buddha. Sangha means ‘group,’ and is any community of Buddhists. Buddha, for Thich Nhat Hanh, means the “Buddha nature,” which he believes we can all access.
I’ve taken this idea of the three refuges and adapted it to my own Christian practice, saying, “I take refuge in the Word. I take refuge in the Church. I take refuge in the Christ.” I repeat the three refuges when I hear a church bell, gong, or sometimes a telephone.
Here’s some of what I think as I say the three refuges to myself:
I take refuge in the Word: The Bible is a source of strength for me. I can go to God’s Word for wisdom and comfort. I can also go there simply to hear how God has worked in the past, and will work in my future.
I take refuge in the Church: The Church has not always been a refuge for me, but I am so grateful for a community of believers who support me and challenge me. My Christian friends are also a refuge for me.
I take refuge in the Christ: The same Spirit at work in Christ is at work in me. Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever” (John 14:16). I can access the Holy Spirit at any time and in every situation. Or, as the Psalmist says, “my God, my rock in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:2).
Thought for the day: Next time you hear a bell, gong, or the telephone, say the three refuges to yourself and think about what they mean to you: I take refuge in the Word. I take refuge in the Church. I take refuge in the Christ.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to begin, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.