Nurturing the Mind | Monday Invocation
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NRSVUE
Our minds are powerful—capable of imagining, creating, and reflecting deeply. However, in a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, it’s easy to let our mental health take a backseat, leading to worry, overwhelm, and mental exhaustion. This week, our focus is on what it means to nurture our minds and emotions.
Many of us carry mental burdens shaped by past experiences, harmful messages, and the pressures of daily life. These messages can take root in our minds, shaping not only how we see ourselves and the world but also how we care for ourselves and process the emotions we feel.
In her book Sacred Self-Care, Chanequa Walker-Barnes reminds us of the importance of honoring all of our emotions—not just the ones that feel good to recognize or the ones that culture deems acceptable for us to express.
In a recent sermon at The Table Church in Washington, D.C., Shae Washington reminds us that God feels and expresses a variety of emotions, as revealed in scripture. Because we are made in the image of God, we are also beings that feel and express a wide range of emotions. By feeling and expressing our emotions—rather than suppressing them—we are able to connect more deeply with God.
Nurturing our minds and emotions is not about erasing all worries or achieving perfect calm. It’s about creating space to bring all of our concerns and feelings to God, while intentionally caring for our mental and emotional well-being. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that God invites us to release these worries through prayer and thanksgiving. In doing so, God promises a peace that surpasses all understanding—a peace that guards both our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
This week, we invite you to practice nurturing your mind and emotions. Each day, take a few moments to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, and consider how you can create space for renewal. Use these questions as a guide:
What thoughts have been occupying my mind today? Are they life-giving or draining?
What practices can I incorporate to reduce mental and emotional clutter—prayer, journaling, mindfulness, or simply stepping away from screens?
How can I fill my mind with God’s truth and goodness today?
As you reflect, consider making one small change to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. It could be something simple, like taking a deep breath, setting aside time to meditate, or engaging in a creative or physical activity that brings you joy. Or it could be a step that feels more challenging, like finding an affirming therapist or reaching out to a crisis hotline.
As you journey through this week, may you discover the sacredness of nurturing your mind and the transformative power of God’s peace. Remember, you are worthy of clarity, calm, and renewal.
This series was Inspired by a Lenten sermon series led by QCF community member Rev. Tonetta Landis-Aina at The Table Church DC and the book Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves by Chanequa Walker-Barnes.
Sacred Self-Care was written as a 7-week Lenten devotional, but many of the principles can be explored year-round as we strive to make sure we are taking the time to care for ourselves. To help us expand the conversation, we have a weekly drop-in group where you can work on these practices in community.
Join us Wednesday nights at 7pm ET for a Sacred Self-Care Drop-In Group throughout the month of May. You can find more information and sign up at the link below!
