February is the longest month in the year. At least it seems that way in dreary cold snowbound Northwest Ohio. I really think we should lift this month out of winter and move it in between July and August – extending summer and shortening winter. I don’t mind the changes in seasons, but by this time of year, the weight of winter seems heavy and never ending. Sort of like some of the problems we have in life. Is there any hope? If I just focus on the bleak weather and lifeless trees, then that is all I see. But if I step back with unobstructed eyes, subtle changes become visible. The days grow notably longer and brighter. Someone said to me the other day he drove home after work without turning on his headlights. When winter began on December 21, we had only nine hours of light; two months later we have 11 hours of light. Within two miles, I saw a deer, skunk, opossum, and raccoon while driving this week. The animals are awake and moving – another faint clue something … [Read more...]
The Nearness of God – Lectio Divina – February 21, 2010
"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart” Romans 10:8a (NIV)The word is near you.How incomprehensible this is, Lord, that you love us so much you dwell within our hearts. Near - a simple but powerful promise. You are near me.You plant yourself deep within my soul and never leave me. When all others abandon me, you stay near.When I shake with fear - you are near to hold meWhen I am sick with worry - you are near to give me peaceWhen I feel lost and alone - you are near as my companion.When my heart is heavy with disappointment - you are near to carry my loadWhen I boil over with anger - you are near to calm me downWhen I am hurt - you are near to heal.When I am confused - you are near to guide me.When I am weak - you are near to give me strengthWhen I doubt - you are near to fill me with hope.When I am broken, you are near with your complete loveMy heart overflows with gratitude, my hands cling to you in sacred intimacy, and my soul rejoices within my whole being … [Read more...]
Five Notes about Music as a Spiritual Practice
“Those who sing, pray twice.” St AugustineLast Sunday our church organist played in an upbeat fashion. The music drew me into worship and I felt the presence of God. Music enhances my faith and opens my heart to see God in new ways.Music is powerful. The ancient Greeks believed that music was the gateway to a person’s soul. I tend to agree. The music we hear or sing resonates God’s inner music deep inside us connecting us like part of a heavenly orchestra.Have you ever thought of music as a spiritual practice? Here are some notes, musical notes, on how music feeds my soul:1. Prods – Music prods my soul –“Hey you, awake from your slumber. God is here!” Music spurs my soul to soar.2. Praise – Music releases notes of praise within my heart. I join a chorus from throughout the earth – birds chirping, trees rustling, whales singing – the list goes on and on – the entire planet praising the Creator.3. Prayer – Singing hymns expresses my deepest feelings often when words can’t be … [Read more...]
ASHES TO ASHES – ASH WEDNESDAY
This week Lent begins – the 40 days before Easter. On Wednesday many churches hold Ash Wednesday services. This service, being utilized by more and more denominations, originated in the 10th century. Why ashes? Lent is a time to turn our hearts to God, giving thanks for the sacrifice of His son and acknowledging our own sins and limitations. We repent and like the Prodigal Son return once again to a forgiving, loving Lord.Ashes refer to the Biblical practice of mourning. Though the actually Ash Wednesday custom is not mentioned in the Bible, the use of ashes in grief is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21. We grieve our sinfulness during Lent.Ashes symbolize dust-to-dustness and remind us of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God. We are marked by the Cross of Jesus.In my church and many others, the ashes come from the … [Read more...]
Prayer to See God with an Unveiled Face – Lectio Divina – February 14, 2010
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3: 12-18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflectthe Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing gloryLord, unveil my face. Wipe away all the hidden junk that I smear on my face, pretending to be something I … [Read more...]
My Prayer for Wonder and Curiosity – To Have the Eyes of a Child
Aren't babies fun to watch?My granddaughter, Kyla, is eight months old. Every week I ask her mother, Katie, what exciting new trick did Kyla learn this week? Today Katie called to tell me Kyla pulled herself up to stand. (Wasn’t she just a newborn yesterday? I will turn around and tomorrow she will be driving a car or getting married!) Watching babies teach us in unexpected ways.Everyday is a new adventure for Kyla – new places to crawl and explore, learning how to pick up Cheerios and discovering their awesome texture and taste, squealing in different pitches and volumes – life is full of wonder and curiosity.Lord, when did I lose the wonder and curiosity of a child?How did this “I can do it all” attitude take over my brain?When did sarcasm, doubt, fear and anger invade my every cell squeezing out trust, faith and the ability to marvel at the ordinary?Lord I ask you for the eyes of a child:To giggle at silly noises and pay attention to the whispers beneath the clamor To peer deeply … [Read more...]
THIN PLACES
A Thin Place is a place where heaven and the physical worlds meet. The Celts use this word to describe the moments or places in our lives where the veil parts a little and we taste the sacredness or catch of glimpse of heaven.In Germany a few years back, exploring the monastery ruins in Disibonenberg, I felt the presence and walked the grounds with Hildegard of Bingen. Disibon, a missionary from Ireland to that area, built the monastery in the 600s. Perhaps he did create a thin place there.Recently I read a book of hope and healing titled Thin Places, a memoir by Mary Demuth. I recommend her haunting story about her broken childhood and the healing that takes places when she discovered God in her thin places.Even though I received this book at no cost in exchange for posting a review, I do highly recommend its reading. I also think Thin Places would make a great book club or small group discussion. Storytellers and writers will appreciate the rich language of this memoir. “Age grants … [Read more...]
Putting out into Deep Water – Lectio Divina – February 7, 2010
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." Luke 5:1-5 (NIV)PUT OUT INTO DEEP WATER.Lord, what are you asking of me? Deep water isn’t safe. I can’t touch the bottom where I can have control. I drift at the mercy of the waves out there. I gasp for breath between gulps of salt water. I don’t know what is lurking below my feet as I franticly paddle to keep my head above water. And you want me to live this … [Read more...]