Reflection: Day by Day
- John Scoble
- Nov 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 26
This video challenges you to reflect on what drives your spiritual journey from day to day.
Watch the video:
What drives you in your spiritual journey? Not in theory, but today. Right now.
Is it habit, longing, crisis, or curiosity that nudges you forward? The truth is, our inner lives don’t grow on autopilot. They’re cultivated step by step, choice by choice, day by day.
Back in the 1970s, the theatre production Godspell took the Gospel stories and gave them fresh life in music and movement. One song from that production still lingers like a gentle refrain in my prayer life.
The words are simple:
Day by day, O dear Lord, three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, to love thee more dearly, to follow thee more nearly, day by day.
See Thee More Clearly
Clarity is not about having every answer pinned down like butterflies in a glass case. It’s about sharpening the lens through which we see Christ alive in the world. For me, two practices have been essential: immersing myself in nature and reading Scripture slowly.
In a rainforest, at the edge of the sea, or even on a quiet park bench, creation becomes a living scripture of its own. And when I open the Bible through lectio divina - that slow, meditative reading - I often find that one line shines brighter than the rest, like a lantern for the day ahead.
Love Thee More Dearly
This isn’t the fiery passion of romance. It’s agape - the selfless, wide-armed love that stretches itself to include the whole world. Loving God means loving what God loves, which in practice translates to everyone and everything. Easier said than done, of course. But when we stretch ourselves toward that love - forgiving a neighbour, showing kindness to a stranger, protecting the fragile web of creation - we step closer to the heart of Christ.
Follow Thee More Nearly
Love must eventually lace up its shoes and walk. St Paul captured it in Galatians 2:20: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Following Christ is not about perfection but direction - allowing our daily choices, however small, to align more closely with the path Jesus walked: compassion, justice, humility, courage.
Why It Matters
The gift of this simple prayer is its rhythm. Recited daily, it becomes less of a wish and more of a compass. Over time, the refrain seeps into our habits until it quietly reorders our priorities, reminding us of who and whose we are.
So here’s the invitation back to you:
What drives your progress in your spiritual journey?
How are you actively enriching your inner life?
And what would it look like for you to pray - and live - these simple petitions, day by day?
FAQs: Reflection - Day by Day
What does “Day by Day” mean in the context of spiritual growth?
It reminds us that faith isn’t a one-time achievement but a daily rhythm. Spiritual life matures through small, repeated practices like prayer, mindfulness, and compassionate action. Studies on habit formation show that repeated daily choices are more likely to reshape long-term behaviour than occasional big efforts (European Journal of Social Psychology, 2010).
How can nature help me “see God more clearly”?
Nature often serves as an open-air cathedral, offering glimpses of God’s creativity and presence. Whether it’s listening to birdsong, watching waves crash, or sitting quietly under a tree, these experiences sharpen our awareness of the divine in ordinary life. Research confirms that spending even 20 minutes in nature can reduce stress hormones and increase a sense of connectedness (Frontiers in Psychology, 2019).
What does it mean to “love God more dearly”?
It points to agape love - selfless, inclusive, unconditional. Loving God more dearly means extending love to what God loves: people, creation, and life itself. It is not sentimental but practical, showing up in forgiveness, kindness, and justice. In Christian tradition, agape love is considered the highest form of love because it reflects God’s own nature. (Source: A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
How can I “follow Christ more nearly” in daily life?
Following Christ more nearly means aligning actions with his example - compassion for the vulnerable, courage to stand for justice, and humility in service. It doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be as simple as choosing honesty, checking in on a neighbour, or advocating for fairness in your workplace. Over time, these choices add up to a life shaped by Christ’s presence.
Why is repetition important in spiritual practice?
Repetition transforms desire into direction. A prayer repeated daily becomes a compass that slowly re-orders priorities. Psychologists note that spiritual practices like prayer or meditation increase resilience and emotional wellbeing when they are consistent over time (Journal of Religion and Health, 2021). In short, repetition doesn’t deaden faith - it deepens it.
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
Comments