Ever notice the verbs from Maundy Thursday and Good Friday? I read the other day that too often we speak and write about faith in Jesus and ignore the faith of Jesus. Jesus’ words, prayers, tears, humility, and suffering during this point of the Holy Week story illustrate His faith. WE can research and listen for these action words occurring during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and all the way through Easter morning celebrations. The verbs - the part of speech that shows action and perhaps the most important word in a sentence - show us Jesus’ faith. Breath in their meanings and ponder their lessons as you worship this holy week. I looked up the verbs of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - the week that changed everything: Jesus spoke Replied Answered Took bread Gave thanks Broke it Gave it to the disciples Took the cup Gave thanks Offered it to the disciples Sang hymns Predicted Knelt in the garden Fell on his face Prayed more Found the disciples … [Read more...]
The Power of the Empty Tomb
The empty tomb is one image that lingers in my heart during Holy Week. What does this symbol invite you to consider? “The Resurrection is not a single event, but a loosening of God’s power and light into the earth and into history that continues to alter all things, infusing them with the grace and power of God’s own holiness. It is as though a door was opened, and what poured out will never be stopped and the door cannot be closed.” Megan McKenna I read and reread this quote, which seems so perfect to ponder during Holy Week. The Resurrection of our Savior infuses everything with God’s love and grace. God opened the door, the threshold into His heart, and that access will never be closed. May the power of the empty tomb transform and nourish your faith this Holy Week. What are you hearing from God this Holy … [Read more...]
Holy Week Scripture Lessons – Lectio Divina
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.Luke 22: 39Luke 22:14-23:56Jesus went out as usual...and his disciples followed him Lord, so my lessons once again in this week’s long Scripture reading.Yet it is a small phrase buried someplace in the middle of those many verses that draws me in.Jesus went out as usual.I almost missed it as I get tangled up in visions of the last supper, Peter’s denial, your tears in Gethsemane.Jesus went out as usual.Prayer is a powerful anchor in Your life, LordAgain and again You left the crowds to pray in silence and solitude.I read the other day, Lord, that too often we speak and write about faith in Jesus and ignore the faith of Jesus.Prayer saturated Your faith.Your priority was time alone with God.You show us once again in this phrase and by Your actions where You found strength, direction and trust.Your “usual” nourished Your faith.Jesus went out as usual...and his disciples followed him. May I be like Your … [Read more...]
Pay Attention to Your Tears – Quote of the Week
"You never know what may cause them. The sight of the Atlantic Ocean can do it, or a piece of music, or a face you've never seen before. A pair of somebody's old shoes can do it. Almost any movie made before the great sadness that came over the world after the Second World War, a horse cantering across a meadow, the high school basketball team running out onto the gym floor at the start of a game. You can never be sure. But of this you can be sure. Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears, it is well to pay the closest attention.They are not only telling you something about the secret of who you are, but more often than not God is speaking to you through them of the mystery of where you have come from and is summoning you to where, if your soul is to be saved, you should go next. Frederick Buechner … [Read more...]
Bluetooth Discernment
Have you ever thought about discernment? My car and I talk: I push the Bluetooth phone button. “Ready,” my Chevy Equinox, so eager to please, responds. “Call home.” I direct. “Home?” the mechanical feminine voice asks. “Say yes or no.” I quickly say, “yes.” “Home?” the mechanical feminine voice asks. “Say yes or no.” “Yes!” I repeated rapidly after her second attempt. “Ok, good bye.” After this happened to me several times, I learned my lesson. If I respond with my “yes” too fast after her question, my friendly computer friend doesn’t understand and the communication fails. If I pause before I say “yes,” things go much more smoothly. I explained my little trick with my car to my husband the other day when the universal truth of what I said hit my heart. What good advice for making decisions too. Pause before saying yes or no. Things will go smoother when you don’t go too quickly. Pause before saying yes - a bluetooth or “bluetruth” … [Read more...]
Silence – a Spiritual Practice
Silence? How well do you do with this spiritual practice? I attended a silent retreat for four days this past weekend. Now a few of you who know me more than just through this blog probably think I wouldn’t last or would be expelled. Yes I do talk quite a bit. But I figured out this was my fifth silent retreat! I find this type of spiritual practice to be one of the most effective disciplines for opening my heart and bringing me closer to God. In fact the few years I didn’t attend one for more than 24 months, I missed them. Now I try to get to one annually. We arrived Thursday evening and have a talkative dinner together. After supper we meet as a group, sharing what we think God may be inviting us to experience the next few days. I have learned to let go of my expectations though. Often I will list in my journal questions I would love some insight to during my quiet time with God but then hold them lightly. Sometimes I hear answers; sometimes not. We begin the silence … [Read more...]
Extravagant Fragrance of Worship – Lectio Divina
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.John 12: 1-3 (NIV)And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfumeSo many lessons today from Your Word, Lord but I can’t help being drawn into Mary’s moment of uninhibited worship.Mary brought to You her most valuable possession and poured it out for You with intimacy, tenderness and extravagant love.Just a few drops of her precious perfume would have been adequate, enough, sufficient, but she choose to gave You all. Everything. Then she humble drew close to You to distribute its soothing balm with her hair. May my heart be so willing as hers, Lord.May I lavish all I … [Read more...]
An Irish Prayer – Quote of the Week
May God give you…For every storm, a rainbow,For every tear, a smile,For every care, a promise,And a blessing in each trial.For every problem life sends,A faithful friend to share,For every sigh, a sweet song,And an answer for each prayer. … [Read more...]