"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion, and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, arrogance, compulsive behaviour, cynicism, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Ephesians 2:17-22
17So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.* 21In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22in whom you also are built together spiritually* into a dwelling-place for God.
1) "...proclaimed peace;" "...in one Spirit;" "...no longer strangers and aliens;" "...citizens with the saints;" "...members of the household;" "...the cornerstone;" "...a holy temple in the Lord;" "...built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God;" "
2) I guess it is somewhat reassuring to realized that Paul, 2,000 years ago was struggling constantly to bring peace to the communities that were constantly experiencing conflict within themselves. Some things never change. I do appreciate the poetry of his prose, one biblical reference layered upon another seamlessly. "Citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God." Does it feel like we are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God? Every day? All day? Some days, for sure. But some days... less so. It is a tall calling to be "citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God." I wonder if the day to day tasks might be lighter if we took this calling seriously, every day, reminding ourselves that we are not earning our way into citizenship, but that we are already citizens and the work is what citizens do, we serve.
3) What is the invitation in all this? Maybe I'm making a few posters for around the office and church, "You are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God."
"Holy One, come and proclaim your peace among us."
Breathprayer: "Citizens... with the saints."
Thursday, 15 June 2017
Wednesday, 14 June 2017
"Christ... Is Our Peace."
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion, and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, arrogance, compulsive behaviour, cynicism, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Ephesians 2:14-16
14For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body* through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.*
1) "...he is our peace;" "...broken down... the hostility between us;" "...one new humanity;" "...reconcile both groups to God in one body;" "...putting to death that hostility;" "
2) Do I really want an end to that hostility? hmm... there is a divide within myself over whether or not I want that hostility to really end. One part says, "Yes, I have no more energy for that hostility, I want it over, I want to move on, and it is what God calls me to." And the other part says, "But I'm right and he's a jerk! Again and again, he's a jerk. And he just won't stop. I'm right! I'm right! I'm right!" The first part says, "I don't care if I'm right or he's right, or if we are both right or neither of us are right. I'm too tired for the hostility to go on. It is time for peace." The second part says, "But what about when he's a jerk again!" A third part (most like likely something like "self-in-presence") observes that I am big enough to hold the difference of opinion between these two parts. There is lots of space in me... I'm made in the image and likeness of God (so is he). There's room for hostility; there's room for peace. Knowing/trusting that feels more peaceful. He's going to keep doing what he's doing. I can only choose not to react.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To do nothing. To breath into the open spaces. To let Christ stand between us. To choose peace.
"Holy One."
Breathprayer: "Christ... is our peace."
Ephesians 2:14-16
14For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body* through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.*
1) "...he is our peace;" "...broken down... the hostility between us;" "...one new humanity;" "...reconcile both groups to God in one body;" "...putting to death that hostility;" "
2) Do I really want an end to that hostility? hmm... there is a divide within myself over whether or not I want that hostility to really end. One part says, "Yes, I have no more energy for that hostility, I want it over, I want to move on, and it is what God calls me to." And the other part says, "But I'm right and he's a jerk! Again and again, he's a jerk. And he just won't stop. I'm right! I'm right! I'm right!" The first part says, "I don't care if I'm right or he's right, or if we are both right or neither of us are right. I'm too tired for the hostility to go on. It is time for peace." The second part says, "But what about when he's a jerk again!" A third part (most like likely something like "self-in-presence") observes that I am big enough to hold the difference of opinion between these two parts. There is lots of space in me... I'm made in the image and likeness of God (so is he). There's room for hostility; there's room for peace. Knowing/trusting that feels more peaceful. He's going to keep doing what he's doing. I can only choose not to react.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To do nothing. To breath into the open spaces. To let Christ stand between us. To choose peace.
"Holy One."
Breathprayer: "Christ... is our peace."
Tuesday, 13 June 2017
"Commonwealth... of Promise."
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion, and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, arrogance, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, cynicism, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Ephesians 2:11-13
11 So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth,* called ‘the uncircumcision’ by those who are called ‘the circumcision’—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
1) "...aliens from the commonwealth of Israel;" "...strangers to the covenants of promise;" "...without God in the world;" "...But now;" "...brought near by the blood of Christ;" "...remember;" "...at one time;" "...remember that at one time;" "...remember that you were at that time;" "...aliens from the commonwealth... strangers to the covenants;" "...no hope;"
2) I love the poetry of Paul's expression, the way he layers statements to emphasis his point. It can be so easy to forget that things have not always been the way they currently are. In fact, its easy to forget that things aren't currently the way they seem. Paul is calling on the Gentiles for some humility. It seems someone may have been proclaiming that these "Gentile Christians" or "uncircumcised Christians" are God's new favorites, and God has abandoned the Jews, or those who have been "circumcised." "I'm a better Christian that you" is neither a new game, nor one that we've grown out of. It is a thing of the "flesh" or human action that has us creating hierarchies of who's better than anyone else. Paul asserts that by the blood of Christ, we all become the same. I'm usually not fond of emphasizing "the blood and body of Christ," I think folks tend to take it way too literally. But when congregation members complain that the bread is gluten free this week, I like to remind them that Jesus died, alone, an excruciating, shameful death on a cross, and they are complaining about bread that isn't to their liking. It's so easy to think we are all that, while grumbling about trivialities.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To consciously practice some humility and gratitude.
"Holy One, thank you for the commonwealth of hope and promise."
Breathprayer: "Commonwealth... of promise."
Ephesians 2:11-13
11 So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth,* called ‘the uncircumcision’ by those who are called ‘the circumcision’—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
1) "...aliens from the commonwealth of Israel;" "...strangers to the covenants of promise;" "...without God in the world;" "...But now;" "...brought near by the blood of Christ;" "...remember;" "...at one time;" "...remember that at one time;" "...remember that you were at that time;" "...aliens from the commonwealth... strangers to the covenants;" "...no hope;"
2) I love the poetry of Paul's expression, the way he layers statements to emphasis his point. It can be so easy to forget that things have not always been the way they currently are. In fact, its easy to forget that things aren't currently the way they seem. Paul is calling on the Gentiles for some humility. It seems someone may have been proclaiming that these "Gentile Christians" or "uncircumcised Christians" are God's new favorites, and God has abandoned the Jews, or those who have been "circumcised." "I'm a better Christian that you" is neither a new game, nor one that we've grown out of. It is a thing of the "flesh" or human action that has us creating hierarchies of who's better than anyone else. Paul asserts that by the blood of Christ, we all become the same. I'm usually not fond of emphasizing "the blood and body of Christ," I think folks tend to take it way too literally. But when congregation members complain that the bread is gluten free this week, I like to remind them that Jesus died, alone, an excruciating, shameful death on a cross, and they are complaining about bread that isn't to their liking. It's so easy to think we are all that, while grumbling about trivialities.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To consciously practice some humility and gratitude.
"Holy One, thank you for the commonwealth of hope and promise."
Breathprayer: "Commonwealth... of promise."
Monday, 12 June 2017
"Created in Christ... for Good Works."
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion, and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, arrogance, compulsive behaviour, cynicism, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness and walking humbly."
Ephesians 2:4-10
4But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ*—by grace you have been saved— 6and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
1) "...dead through our trespasses;" "...alive together with Christ;" "...by grace you have been saved;" "...raised us up with him;" "...seated us with him in the heavenly paces in Christ Jesus;" "...immeasurable riches of his grace;" "...by grace you have been saved trough faith;" "...this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God;" "...not the result of works, so that no one may boast;" "...we are what he as made us;" "...created in Christ Jesus for good works;"
2) perhaps I should have broken this passage in two, but I didn't want to end with "by grace you have been saved," I wanted to get to "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works." Perhaps works righteousness is in my veins? I work and work and work. For no less than 19 years, I've worked every method at my disposal: 12 step program, focusing, spiritual direction, counseling, therapy, "the Work," lectio divina, centering prayer, Ingatian prayer, silent retreats, yoga, erotic tantric massage, heart circles, group therapy, men's spiritual retreats, transcendental meditation, journaling, "The Artist's Way," and prayer, prayer, and more prayer. I've dabbled in some techniques and others have become long time faithful companions. I've made the best use I can of every tool that has been offered to deepen my healing, integration, and growth. All that work. But it isn't the work that brings the growth. "It is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast." So the thought comes, "Why bother doing all that work!?! 19 years of consciousness building down the tubes, because grace is a free gift." But then there is the next line, "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works." I do the work, because that is what we are made for. Given the heartache I've been experiencing over my "constant companions" the last several weeks, this feels hopeful.
3) What is the invitation in all this? Praise God, by grace we have been saved.
Breathprayer: "Created in Christ... for good works."
Ephesians 2:4-10
4But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ*—by grace you have been saved— 6and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
1) "...dead through our trespasses;" "...alive together with Christ;" "...by grace you have been saved;" "...raised us up with him;" "...seated us with him in the heavenly paces in Christ Jesus;" "...immeasurable riches of his grace;" "...by grace you have been saved trough faith;" "...this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God;" "...not the result of works, so that no one may boast;" "...we are what he as made us;" "...created in Christ Jesus for good works;"
2) perhaps I should have broken this passage in two, but I didn't want to end with "by grace you have been saved," I wanted to get to "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works." Perhaps works righteousness is in my veins? I work and work and work. For no less than 19 years, I've worked every method at my disposal: 12 step program, focusing, spiritual direction, counseling, therapy, "the Work," lectio divina, centering prayer, Ingatian prayer, silent retreats, yoga, erotic tantric massage, heart circles, group therapy, men's spiritual retreats, transcendental meditation, journaling, "The Artist's Way," and prayer, prayer, and more prayer. I've dabbled in some techniques and others have become long time faithful companions. I've made the best use I can of every tool that has been offered to deepen my healing, integration, and growth. All that work. But it isn't the work that brings the growth. "It is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast." So the thought comes, "Why bother doing all that work!?! 19 years of consciousness building down the tubes, because grace is a free gift." But then there is the next line, "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works." I do the work, because that is what we are made for. Given the heartache I've been experiencing over my "constant companions" the last several weeks, this feels hopeful.
3) What is the invitation in all this? Praise God, by grace we have been saved.
Breathprayer: "Created in Christ... for good works."
Sunday, 11 June 2017
"Once..."
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion, and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, arrogance, compulsive behaviour, cynicism, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Ephesians 2:1-3
2You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else.
1) "...children of wrath;" "...you were dead;" "...the course of this world;" "...those who are disobedient;" "...the passions of our flesh;" "...the desires of flesh and senses;" "...like every one else."
2) actually, today, to be "like everyone else" means to be numb, asleep, striving for what media and advertising campaigns tell us to want. It's sad that "flesh" has become identified with "sex" in so much of the tradition. I don't see that in Paul at all. "Flesh" means without consideration, compulsive, autonomic, mindlessness. Suddenly, the passage comes alive and I can see myself in it. Even when I think I am fully awake, I am still asleep, still acting and reacting following the course of this world. More concerned for myself that for my neighbour or the whole. Compulsively reacting to situations out of long engrained habit rather than considering my responses. Thinking first how someone has slighted me in their thoughts or words, rather than wondering what their needs are. Judging others by their actions while expecting others to judge me by my intent. Children of wrath. We are given the option freely to be in the world otherwise. I wrestle with the notion of "obedience/disobedience." But it requires a conscious discipline to change long engrained habits, obedience to a different way of being.
3) What is the invitation in all this? Paul, "Paul" is speaking in the past tense... "Once..." like the 12 Steps... The change has already taken place. Live into the change.
"Holy One, help me follow your course."
Breathprayer: "Once..."
Ephesians 2:1-3
2You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else.
1) "...children of wrath;" "...you were dead;" "...the course of this world;" "...those who are disobedient;" "...the passions of our flesh;" "...the desires of flesh and senses;" "...like every one else."
2) actually, today, to be "like everyone else" means to be numb, asleep, striving for what media and advertising campaigns tell us to want. It's sad that "flesh" has become identified with "sex" in so much of the tradition. I don't see that in Paul at all. "Flesh" means without consideration, compulsive, autonomic, mindlessness. Suddenly, the passage comes alive and I can see myself in it. Even when I think I am fully awake, I am still asleep, still acting and reacting following the course of this world. More concerned for myself that for my neighbour or the whole. Compulsively reacting to situations out of long engrained habit rather than considering my responses. Thinking first how someone has slighted me in their thoughts or words, rather than wondering what their needs are. Judging others by their actions while expecting others to judge me by my intent. Children of wrath. We are given the option freely to be in the world otherwise. I wrestle with the notion of "obedience/disobedience." But it requires a conscious discipline to change long engrained habits, obedience to a different way of being.
3) What is the invitation in all this? Paul, "Paul" is speaking in the past tense... "Once..." like the 12 Steps... The change has already taken place. Live into the change.
"Holy One, help me follow your course."
Breathprayer: "Once..."
Saturday, 10 June 2017
"All in All..."
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion, and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, arrogance, compulsive behaviour, cynicism, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Ephesians 1:20-23
20God* put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
1) "...all in all;" "...above every name that is named;" "...in this age but also in the age to come;" "...who fills all in all."
2) Paul at his most eloquent. This passage makes me think of when I used to stargaze on the prairies. I had a really nice telescope and could see the most amazing things. It constantly filled me with a sense of awe and wonder to look up into the night sky. No matter what kind of mess we were making down here on earth, there was a night sky full of bodies thousands and millions and billions of light years away that we miserable humans couldn't touch, "in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion." I found that so comforting, especially when listening to reports of Climate Change (though we were still mistakenly calling it Global Warming back then), and Climate Change denial was a thing but not yet named as such. The Cosmic Christ will continue to reign, "not only in this age but also in the age to come," no matter what we do. But if we want a genuine part in that reign, the cost of discipleship is "obedience." I am not Lord of the Universe. Obedience to the One who is, means accepting what I can't change, changing what I can, and having the wisdom to know the difference.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To find comfort in the Cosmic Christ, to not be discouraged by the atrocity of humanity and trust that my "obedience" with the "obedience of others" is more than enough.
"Holy One, you are my all in all."
Breathprayer: "All in All..."
Ephesians 1:20-23
20God* put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
1) "...all in all;" "...above every name that is named;" "...in this age but also in the age to come;" "...who fills all in all."
2) Paul at his most eloquent. This passage makes me think of when I used to stargaze on the prairies. I had a really nice telescope and could see the most amazing things. It constantly filled me with a sense of awe and wonder to look up into the night sky. No matter what kind of mess we were making down here on earth, there was a night sky full of bodies thousands and millions and billions of light years away that we miserable humans couldn't touch, "in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion." I found that so comforting, especially when listening to reports of Climate Change (though we were still mistakenly calling it Global Warming back then), and Climate Change denial was a thing but not yet named as such. The Cosmic Christ will continue to reign, "not only in this age but also in the age to come," no matter what we do. But if we want a genuine part in that reign, the cost of discipleship is "obedience." I am not Lord of the Universe. Obedience to the One who is, means accepting what I can't change, changing what I can, and having the wisdom to know the difference.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To find comfort in the Cosmic Christ, to not be discouraged by the atrocity of humanity and trust that my "obedience" with the "obedience of others" is more than enough.
"Holy One, you are my all in all."
Breathprayer: "All in All..."
Friday, 9 June 2017
"Wisdom... and Revelation"
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, empathy, and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, arrogance, compulsive behaviour, cynicism, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Ephesians 1:15-19
15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love* towards all the saints, and for this reason 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.
1) "...I do not cease to give thanks;" "...I remember you in my prayers;" "...a spirit of wisdom and revelation;" "...the eyes of your heart enlightened;" "immeasurable greatness;" "...his great power;" "...so that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you;" "what are the riches of his glorious inheritance;" "...the hope...the riches of his glorious inheritance...immeasurable greatness of his power;"
2) A spirit of wisdom and revelation would be nice. I have had moments I consider to have been glimpses of "the hope to which he has called," "the riches of his glorious inheritance," and "the immeasurable greatness of his power." Moments when I was completely satisfied and comforted. They've never lasted long in real time, but they had a hold on me. They come at the most unexpected times, sometimes when I'm on retreat, but sometimes when I'm riding the bus, or walking along the river. Once when I was laughing with friends. Moments to hold on to and remember. Moments that could get me through a lot of worse moments. Moments that are easy to lose track of and forget when I need to remember them most! "Immeasurable greatness."
3) What is the invitation in all this? to remember, especially in the darker moments, that there have been moments of "wisdom and revelation," and to be nourished by them.
"Holy One, thank you."
Breathprayer: "Wisdom... and revelation."
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