My brain is particularly active this morning. I have much to get accomplished before I leave for the weekend and yet, all I want to do is sit and knit! So I take a few deep breaths, still challenged to breath and type at the same time. It works. I do slow down, but at the bottom of the breath as I start to inhale again, I feel the thoughts scramble about again. But the scrambling is less on each breath.
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate regularly. I ask for patience, tolerance, gentleness, empathy, and compassion. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness and walking humbly."
John 17:21-26
21that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us,* so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
25 ‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’
1) "...that they may all be one;" "...believe;" "...glory;" "...they may be one;" "...we are one;" "...I in them and you in me," "...completely one;" "...the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
2) "I in them and you in me, that they may be completely one." John, of all the gospel writers is the most explicit about the difficulty in explaining the experience of God/salvation/the kingdom of heaven/new birth/truth/light. Everywhere else in the gospel, John has Jesus saying something, someone trying to understand him literally, then Jesus explaining, no, I'm using a metaphor, I mean something else: Jesus is not a loaf of bread, Jesus is not water, Nicodemus was not expected to crawl back in his mother's womb and be born a second time. But here, John is struggling to be explicit about the experience of loving union offered to the disciples. As Jesus has union with God, he has union with the disciples, and the disciples can have with each other, and Jesus and God. Glory. There is a parable from the Talmud, I believe, in which the rabbi asks of his disciples, when is the Night over? various disciples describe different signs of dawn: silhouettes on the hill, the fading of stars, the break of the sun above the horizon. But the star pupil speaks up and says, "When I look into the eyes of a stranger and see a lover." "completely one"
3) What is the invitation in all this. To receive the offer of union when it is offered.
"Holy One, receive me."
Breathprayer: "You in me... completely one."
NB: I will be off grid for the next two days so will not be posting again until Monday, May 1. Peace be with you.
Friday, 28 April 2017
Thursday, 27 April 2017
"Going... into the Kingdom of God."
It has been a particularly pleasant morning on the balcony. I finished planting up my planters yesterday. I'm terribly grateful for a couple days to simply enjoy life. Yesterday, I guided myself through a "Loving Kindness" mediation, usually when I do "Loving Kindness" I follow a guided mediation on insight timer, But leading myself through the meditation seemed to deepen it and leave me with more "residue" throughout the day. But I did miss centering prayer and breathprayer. I still find it at challenge to type and breath at the same time.
"I ask for the grace to pray and mediate regularly. I ask for patience, tolerance, gentleness, compassion and empathy. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance and self-importance. May I know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness and walking humbly."
Matthew 21:28-32
28 ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” 29He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father* went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
1) "...the way of righteousness;" "...believed him;" "...you did not change your minds;" "...eve after you saw it;" "...Son;" "...he changed his mind;"
2) there seems to be a virtue in changing one's mind. This last week, we heard from John about Thomas who believed because he saw. He hadn't believed when his friends told him about seeing Jesus, but he changed his mind when he saw the resurrected Jesus with his own eyes and touched his wounds with his own hands. "...and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him." Saw what? Of course, it all leads back to doing the will of "his father." Is there a call here to be gentle with our own resistance to doing what God beseeches? (I like 'beseeches', Paul beseeches because how do you 'command' people to do something they don't want to do?) How about other people's resistance? Can I be tolerant of other people's resistance? I'm resistant to showing grace in the face of other people's resistance to doing what God beseeches, thus resisting what God beseeches of me!!! So can I change my mind? Can I now find mercy? Can I now let living water flow from my heart? Or do I still have some resisting to do?
3) What is the invitation in all this? to do what "the father" beseeches. To let go of resistance and trust more often.
"Holy One, help me change my mind and teach me gentleness until I do."
Breathprayer: "Going... into the kingdom of God."
"I ask for the grace to pray and mediate regularly. I ask for patience, tolerance, gentleness, compassion and empathy. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance and self-importance. May I know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness and walking humbly."
Matthew 21:28-32
28 ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” 29He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father* went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
1) "...the way of righteousness;" "...believed him;" "...you did not change your minds;" "...eve after you saw it;" "...Son;" "...he changed his mind;"
2) there seems to be a virtue in changing one's mind. This last week, we heard from John about Thomas who believed because he saw. He hadn't believed when his friends told him about seeing Jesus, but he changed his mind when he saw the resurrected Jesus with his own eyes and touched his wounds with his own hands. "...and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him." Saw what? Of course, it all leads back to doing the will of "his father." Is there a call here to be gentle with our own resistance to doing what God beseeches? (I like 'beseeches', Paul beseeches because how do you 'command' people to do something they don't want to do?) How about other people's resistance? Can I be tolerant of other people's resistance? I'm resistant to showing grace in the face of other people's resistance to doing what God beseeches, thus resisting what God beseeches of me!!! So can I change my mind? Can I now find mercy? Can I now let living water flow from my heart? Or do I still have some resisting to do?
3) What is the invitation in all this? to do what "the father" beseeches. To let go of resistance and trust more often.
"Holy One, help me change my mind and teach me gentleness until I do."
Breathprayer: "Going... into the kingdom of God."
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
"Learn This... I Desire Mercy."
I observe my breathing for a minute and sit in the silence, once again, trying to maintain my breathing as I type. It amuses me how hard I find that!
"I ask for the desire to pray and meditate regularly. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, gentleness, and compassion. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance, and self-absorption. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Matthew 9:1-13
10 And as he sat at dinner* in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting* with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ 12But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’
1) "...with him;" "...learn what this means;" "...I desire mercy, not sacrifice;" "...I have come to call... sinners;" "...learn what this means."
2) "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Jesus is citing one of the prophets, probably Jeremiah or Isaiah, could be Micah, possibly all three and others, this is a common theme. What is mercy? How do I exercise it? I am still moved by the image from yesterday's prayer of "living water flowing from the hearts of believers." Could "mercy" be another way of describing that living water? Mercy is certainly good things: compassion, empathy, patience, gentleness, tolerance, kindness, humility, forgiveness, hope, joy... It is shorthand for all the fruit of the spirit. Jesus doesn't want us judging other people in this passage, but living out of the same mercy we have received. But are we the righteous or the sinners? the well or the sick? And do we understand the nature of our illness, or do we just rattle off a list of traits we see quoted often in the bible? I am impatient, arrogant, I draw attention to myself, I can be self-important, and I'm easily discouraged and distracted when things don't go as I expect or hope. I have a list around here somewhere, funny how I so easily forget my character defects.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To be honest. to pursue mercy, not so much to receive mercy, but to offer it.
"Holy One, have mercy on me, and inspire mercy in me that I may have it for others."
Breathprayer: "Learn this... I desire mercy."
"I ask for the desire to pray and meditate regularly. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, gentleness, and compassion. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance, and self-absorption. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Matthew 9:1-13
10 And as he sat at dinner* in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting* with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ 12But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’
1) "...with him;" "...learn what this means;" "...I desire mercy, not sacrifice;" "...I have come to call... sinners;" "...learn what this means."
2) "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Jesus is citing one of the prophets, probably Jeremiah or Isaiah, could be Micah, possibly all three and others, this is a common theme. What is mercy? How do I exercise it? I am still moved by the image from yesterday's prayer of "living water flowing from the hearts of believers." Could "mercy" be another way of describing that living water? Mercy is certainly good things: compassion, empathy, patience, gentleness, tolerance, kindness, humility, forgiveness, hope, joy... It is shorthand for all the fruit of the spirit. Jesus doesn't want us judging other people in this passage, but living out of the same mercy we have received. But are we the righteous or the sinners? the well or the sick? And do we understand the nature of our illness, or do we just rattle off a list of traits we see quoted often in the bible? I am impatient, arrogant, I draw attention to myself, I can be self-important, and I'm easily discouraged and distracted when things don't go as I expect or hope. I have a list around here somewhere, funny how I so easily forget my character defects.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To be honest. to pursue mercy, not so much to receive mercy, but to offer it.
"Holy One, have mercy on me, and inspire mercy in me that I may have it for others."
Breathprayer: "Learn this... I desire mercy."
Tuesday, 25 April 2017
"Out of the Believer's Heart... Rivers of Living Water."
I've been watching the crows build a nest at the top of the pines beyond the side lane. I hear construction happening on the balcony in the next condo across the back lane. And birds are singing. A humming bird came to check out my new feeder. My cat is now curled up on the ottoman beside my knitting. I've lit a candle and take a few deep breaths to slow and focus my attention, making room to encounter the sacred.
"I ask for the desire to pray and meditate on behalf of my congregation. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance and self-absorption. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness and walking humbly."
John 7:37-39
37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38and let the one who believes in me drink. As* the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart* shall flow rivers of living water.” ’ 39Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit,* because Jesus was not yet glorified.
1) "...the great day;" "...come to me;" "...drink;" "...Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water;" "...rivers of living water;" "...believers;" "...believers in him;" "...not yet glorified;" "...let anyone who is thirsty come to me," "...anyone who is thirsty;"
2) Am I thirsty? I love John's Jesus. John's Jesus is always teaching us to listen metaphorically. Thirst and hunger are associated with longing for intimacy with God: justice, love, acceptance, comfort, wholeness, satisfaction, reconciliation, forgiveness, an end to all suffering - all the things that make up God's reign. What does it mean to "believe" in Jesus for John? I think it is utter non-sense that John's Jesus expects us to believe propositions about God or Jesus, especially since the propositions that will eventually become orthodoxy won't be fully formulated for another three hundred years. I believe that for John "believing in Jesus" means trusting God, trusting in the teachings and the way that Jesus is leading, trusting in the way of vulnerability, humility, non-violence, unconditional compassion and empathy, risk taking, courage, acceptance of God's way, challenge to human ways. On those rare occasions when we genuinely trust the way of Jesus enough to follow, our hearts become fountains of "living water." I was challenged by a parishioner the other day that I shouldn't pray for patience. Because if I pray for patience, God will send things to test my patience. There is a certain logic to this challenge. But, if I want rivers of living water to flow out of my heart, then I need to increase my patience, so I ask for patience. I need to trust that I will be given what I need to meet whatever tests, challenges and trial will come.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To trust what God has placed before me. To keep asking for what we need. To take advantage of the opportunities to exercise patience.
"God, give me patience."
Breathprayer: "Out of the believer's heart... rivers of living water."
"I ask for the desire to pray and meditate on behalf of my congregation. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion and gentleness. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance and self-absorption. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness and walking humbly."
John 7:37-39
37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38and let the one who believes in me drink. As* the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart* shall flow rivers of living water.” ’ 39Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit,* because Jesus was not yet glorified.
1) "...the great day;" "...come to me;" "...drink;" "...Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water;" "...rivers of living water;" "...believers;" "...believers in him;" "...not yet glorified;" "...let anyone who is thirsty come to me," "...anyone who is thirsty;"
2) Am I thirsty? I love John's Jesus. John's Jesus is always teaching us to listen metaphorically. Thirst and hunger are associated with longing for intimacy with God: justice, love, acceptance, comfort, wholeness, satisfaction, reconciliation, forgiveness, an end to all suffering - all the things that make up God's reign. What does it mean to "believe" in Jesus for John? I think it is utter non-sense that John's Jesus expects us to believe propositions about God or Jesus, especially since the propositions that will eventually become orthodoxy won't be fully formulated for another three hundred years. I believe that for John "believing in Jesus" means trusting God, trusting in the teachings and the way that Jesus is leading, trusting in the way of vulnerability, humility, non-violence, unconditional compassion and empathy, risk taking, courage, acceptance of God's way, challenge to human ways. On those rare occasions when we genuinely trust the way of Jesus enough to follow, our hearts become fountains of "living water." I was challenged by a parishioner the other day that I shouldn't pray for patience. Because if I pray for patience, God will send things to test my patience. There is a certain logic to this challenge. But, if I want rivers of living water to flow out of my heart, then I need to increase my patience, so I ask for patience. I need to trust that I will be given what I need to meet whatever tests, challenges and trial will come.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To trust what God has placed before me. To keep asking for what we need. To take advantage of the opportunities to exercise patience.
"God, give me patience."
Breathprayer: "Out of the believer's heart... rivers of living water."
Monday, 24 April 2017
"Child... I Will Not Forget You."
I take a few deep breaths and let myself feel my weight on the chair. I try to keep my breathing regular as I type, which is more difficult that I might have imagined! I let myself become present to the moment, making space for sacred intentionality.
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate on behalf of my community of faith. I pray for all the young new families that were in church with us yesterday. I pray that they find what they are seeking with a hope that they might find that with us, but if not, that they find it wherever it is. I pray for Wendy, Gwen, Helena, Dianna, Irene, Iain, George, Kim, David, Thomas, Chloe, Jo-Ann, Beth, Pat, Betty, and so many more. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion and gentleness. I ask that we abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance and self-interest. May we know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness and walking humbly."
Isaiah 49:14-16
14 But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me,
my Lord has forgotten me.’
15 Can a woman forget her nursing-child,
or show no compassion for the child of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me.
1) "...nursing-child," "...the child of her womb;" "...I will not forget you;" "...I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands;" "...I will not forget you;"
2) Funny that I should be giving thanks for all the infants in church yesterday and come to this passage about a woman and her nursing-child. I remember my first pastoral charge where the pianist would go back in the pews during the sermon to nurse her baby while I preached. For that child, at least, message time was a time of nourishment, comfort, and intimacy. I wonder if we are still creating that kind of safe, comforting, affirming space during worship? Was it Ignatius or Augustine who used the metaphor of suckling at the breast of God for prayer? I am also aware, once again, how felt experience is so often the opposite of what is promised and proclaimed in Scripture. We can feel forsaken and forgotten, but God asserts, "Even if these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you in the palms of my hands."
3) What is the invitation in all this? To receive the nourishment offered.
"Holy One, may you be inscribed on our hands as we pray and serve."
Breathprayer: "Child... I will not forget you."
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate on behalf of my community of faith. I pray for all the young new families that were in church with us yesterday. I pray that they find what they are seeking with a hope that they might find that with us, but if not, that they find it wherever it is. I pray for Wendy, Gwen, Helena, Dianna, Irene, Iain, George, Kim, David, Thomas, Chloe, Jo-Ann, Beth, Pat, Betty, and so many more. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion and gentleness. I ask that we abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance and self-interest. May we know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness and walking humbly."
Isaiah 49:14-16
14 But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me,
my Lord has forgotten me.’
15 Can a woman forget her nursing-child,
or show no compassion for the child of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me.
1) "...nursing-child," "...the child of her womb;" "...I will not forget you;" "...I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands;" "...I will not forget you;"
2) Funny that I should be giving thanks for all the infants in church yesterday and come to this passage about a woman and her nursing-child. I remember my first pastoral charge where the pianist would go back in the pews during the sermon to nurse her baby while I preached. For that child, at least, message time was a time of nourishment, comfort, and intimacy. I wonder if we are still creating that kind of safe, comforting, affirming space during worship? Was it Ignatius or Augustine who used the metaphor of suckling at the breast of God for prayer? I am also aware, once again, how felt experience is so often the opposite of what is promised and proclaimed in Scripture. We can feel forsaken and forgotten, but God asserts, "Even if these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you in the palms of my hands."
3) What is the invitation in all this? To receive the nourishment offered.
"Holy One, may you be inscribed on our hands as we pray and serve."
Breathprayer: "Child... I will not forget you."
Sunday, 23 April 2017
"Inheritance... More Precious than God."
I take a few deep breaths and feel my weight on the chair as I exhale. I hold my breath so easily... especially when I'm typing! I let my thoughts slow down a little and feel my focus come in. I'm aware of a little more "spaciousness," room to acknowledge the holy. Gratitude for sacred space.
"I ask for the desire to pray and meditate on behalf of my community of faith. May we learn patience, tolerance, empathy, gentleness, and compassion. May we abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, self-righteousness, and arrogance. May we know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you rejoice,* even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Although you have not seen* him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1) "...great mercy;" "...a new birth;" "...a living hope;" "...an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading;" "...ready to be revealed in the last time;" "...you rejoice;" "...for a little while you have had to suffer;" "...more precious than gold;" "...praise and glory and honour;" "... you love him;" "...indescribably and glorious joy;"
2) What is the outcome of our faith? What is the salvation of our souls? There are many describers: imperishable, undefiled, unfading, kept in heaven, inheritance, something worthy of rejoicing, praise, and glory, and honour... and worth various trials to obtain. I'm not always convinced that the trials are worth it. But its not like one can avoid the trials. The Buddhist proverb says, "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." God help me to choose not to suffer. That's a skill I could develop... it is a skill that could use developing. Sometimes, I've just had enough of a particular trial and I want to walk away. Though I know that will only lead to other trials that could be worse than this one!
3) What is the invitation in all this? to keep the context of "for a little while you have had to suffer various trials" and "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading. Sometimes if feels like its the opposite: the suffering is unfading and the inheritance is a little while. But Peter turns this on its head.
"Holy One, help us hold to the living hope born in us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as we for a little while suffer various trials."
Breathprayer: "Inheritance... more precious than gold."
"I ask for the desire to pray and meditate on behalf of my community of faith. May we learn patience, tolerance, empathy, gentleness, and compassion. May we abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, self-righteousness, and arrogance. May we know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you rejoice,* even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Although you have not seen* him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1) "...great mercy;" "...a new birth;" "...a living hope;" "...an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading;" "...ready to be revealed in the last time;" "...you rejoice;" "...for a little while you have had to suffer;" "...more precious than gold;" "...praise and glory and honour;" "... you love him;" "...indescribably and glorious joy;"
2) What is the outcome of our faith? What is the salvation of our souls? There are many describers: imperishable, undefiled, unfading, kept in heaven, inheritance, something worthy of rejoicing, praise, and glory, and honour... and worth various trials to obtain. I'm not always convinced that the trials are worth it. But its not like one can avoid the trials. The Buddhist proverb says, "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." God help me to choose not to suffer. That's a skill I could develop... it is a skill that could use developing. Sometimes, I've just had enough of a particular trial and I want to walk away. Though I know that will only lead to other trials that could be worse than this one!
3) What is the invitation in all this? to keep the context of "for a little while you have had to suffer various trials" and "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading. Sometimes if feels like its the opposite: the suffering is unfading and the inheritance is a little while. But Peter turns this on its head.
"Holy One, help us hold to the living hope born in us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as we for a little while suffer various trials."
Breathprayer: "Inheritance... more precious than gold."
Saturday, 22 April 2017
"Break forth... into Singing."
"I ask for the grace to pray and meditate on behalf of my community of faith. May we learn patience, compassion, tolerance, empathy and gentleness. May we abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, arrogance, and self-righteousness. May we know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly."
Isaiah 49:11-13
11 And I will turn all my mountains into a road,
and my highways shall be raised up.
12 Lo, these shall come from far away,
and lo, these from the north and from the west,
and these from the land of Syene.*
13 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people,
and will have compassion on his suffering ones.
1) "...raised up;" "...sing for joy;" "...exult;" "...break forth... into singing;" "...the Lord has comforted his people;" "...and will have compassion;"
2) It has already happened. God has already "comforted his people," has already had "compassion on his suffering ones." We forget. We overlook. We get distracted. We get impatient. But it has already happened, again and again. God has been good. Over and over, God has been good. God will be good again. God is good currently. Currently there are lots of distractions: I'm tired; the world is going crazy; my newsfeed is full of horrible news from around the world; the church is struggling to adapt to a totally new reality; and there are some genuinely ill-intended people out there who take advantage of vulnerability, openness, and trust. I remember the saying that came across my Insight Timer feed: "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Suffering is what we make of pain. God is already offering compassion and comfort.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To remember that "The Lord has comforted his people." To keep my "suffering" in context, to let pain and discomfort be just that, pain and discomfort, and nothing more. To let God be in the pain and discomfort. Now, that feels good... let God be in the discomfort.
"Holy One, open my lips that I may sing for joy and break forth into singing!"
Breathprayer: "Break forth... into singing."
Isaiah 49:11-13
11 And I will turn all my mountains into a road,
and my highways shall be raised up.
12 Lo, these shall come from far away,
and lo, these from the north and from the west,
and these from the land of Syene.*
13 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people,
and will have compassion on his suffering ones.
1) "...raised up;" "...sing for joy;" "...exult;" "...break forth... into singing;" "...the Lord has comforted his people;" "...and will have compassion;"
2) It has already happened. God has already "comforted his people," has already had "compassion on his suffering ones." We forget. We overlook. We get distracted. We get impatient. But it has already happened, again and again. God has been good. Over and over, God has been good. God will be good again. God is good currently. Currently there are lots of distractions: I'm tired; the world is going crazy; my newsfeed is full of horrible news from around the world; the church is struggling to adapt to a totally new reality; and there are some genuinely ill-intended people out there who take advantage of vulnerability, openness, and trust. I remember the saying that came across my Insight Timer feed: "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Suffering is what we make of pain. God is already offering compassion and comfort.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To remember that "The Lord has comforted his people." To keep my "suffering" in context, to let pain and discomfort be just that, pain and discomfort, and nothing more. To let God be in the pain and discomfort. Now, that feels good... let God be in the discomfort.
"Holy One, open my lips that I may sing for joy and break forth into singing!"
Breathprayer: "Break forth... into singing."
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