“‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
At the very center of our Christian faith is the call to remember. Baptism and Holy Communion focus on remembering that Jesus was involved in both sacraments and that we are to follow Jesus’ example. Opening your Bible invites you to read the stories and remember the ways God responded to the ancient Israelites and the early church. Scripture helps us remember how God responded to the faithful in the past, so we can anticipate how God will respond in our lives today.
In moments of crisis, remembering God’s past care provides comfort and reassurance. Sitting quietly and focusing on memories of God’s loving care is an act of prayer. If you do not nurture your memory, each new crisis will feel overwhelming. But if you keep previous memories of God’s care in your mind, you will find the courage, trust, and faith to face the challenge, knowing God will support you in this issue as well.
Remembering joyous moments is also a divine blessing. Sitting still and replaying a blessed experience brings the memory to life and allows you to relive the emotions. Relive every fun, loving moment so you can thank God for the opportunity and set your mind in a hope-filled way. Reliving joyous times renews your confidence and boosts happiness, making you warmer with others. If you struggle to come up with the appropriate memory, look at an old photo album. Taking time to reflect on happy memories isn’t selfish; it helps you become kinder and more open.
Like most things in life, remembering is a skill that requires practice. Start today. Sit, relax, and think of a fun time that makes you smile. Then, go back to the earliest moment of that day and replay it in as much detail as you can recall. Who was at the event? Where did it take place? Did the occasion require special clothes or planning? Then, over the following weeks, focus on other memories; let some of the memories be difficult parts of your history. Pray for God to provide details lost to the haze of forgetting. Continue the prayer by asking for honesty, courage, and wisdom. The more you practice, the more God’s activity in your life will move to the forefront of your mind.
