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A Sacramental Life

A sacrament is defined as ​“an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace.” Sacraments make grace tangible, revealing God’s presence in our material world.

Paul’s words in Romans 12:1 are a provocative, sacramental invitation. "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice," he writes, using physical, earthy language, “which is your spiritual worship".

The apostle beautifully juxtaposes the physical and spiritual to show how our bodies, experiences, and outward actions are inextricably connected to our inward spiritual journeys, inviting us to see the physical realm as a vital space for encountering and worshiping God. Simply put: you cannot segregate the sacred and spiritual from the mundane and material. God is with you in it all.

This conviction forms the foundation of a “sacramental life,” a life that seeks to encounter God’s presence in work and play, in nature and suffering, and in the day-to-day hustle of work, family, meals, and conversation. As Richard Foster says, “God manifests Himself in his creation, even in the midst of mundane activities, whenever we acknowledge Him.”

Now, perhaps, we understand why Paul speaks so passionately. He wants us to resist an ethereal spirituality, seeing every moment, however ordinary, as an opportunity to honor God. “Whatever you do,” he says elsewhere, “whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

Today, all of your life has the potential to become worshipful and holy, because God’s presence is within you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, slow me down today. Help me to celebrate life and enjoy the little, ordinary sacramental moments You gift me with. In the midst of my mundane activities, teach me to recognize Your presence, and in all things, give me the strength to offer my body as a living sacrifice to You; my act of spiritual worship.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen.