"One thing I ask of the Lord; One thing I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek God in the temple." Psalm 27: 4 One thing. Only one. So often I come to you, Lord with multiple lists, a litany of requests, and a huge pile of worries and complaints. I rush into your temple, dump my demands onto your lap and speed out to my busyness. One thing. One thing - easier to remember and simpler to do. Coming to you only holding one item out to you clears my mind of trying to remember it all. Frees me of dragging heavy burdens given to me by the world and my ego, not from you. I approach you with empty, open hands held up in praise, not full with cumbersome appeals. One thing reminds me of the snares of multitasking my prayers. Keeping it simple uncomplicates my relationship with you. The more I know you, Lord and more I listen to your voice, you direct my ways in simple … [Read more...]
This is my Son, the Beloved, with Whom I am Well Pleased – Lectio Divina
This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3: 17 Lord help me remember my baptism. Every morning when I arise, may I feel the mark of the cross on my heart, claiming me as your child Remind me that every breath contains your Holy Spirit, filling me with life. Prompt me to hear you as you guide my steps that I may follow only your path Soften my heart so I recognize the things that break your heart. Provide your life-giving water to my dried soul. Fill me with courage to risk all for you and to give all to you. Only through you, Lord, will I find the rest for my deep longing. Remembering my baptism each day, knowing who I belong to, and experiencing your loving guidance, I know someday I too will hear you call me "your Beloved, with whom I am will pleased." … [Read more...]
Finish Well – Lectio Divina
So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale. Your heart's been in the right place all along. You've got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it. Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 (The Message) Every year, Lord, I start with a bang of enthusiasm, launching new goals and plans for the coming year. I ask you for your blessing and guidance on each year’s new beginning. But this verse in this unique translation stopped me cold. “Finish what you started last year” shouted to my heart and shook my good intentions into the light of day. What does this mean, Lord? I recognize the sound of your quiet whisper and am aware of your touch upon my spirit. I feel your nudge - “look again upon 2013 - finish what you have started.” I want to close the door on 2013. I want to move onto the fresh newness of … [Read more...]
Count and Recount the Gracious Deeds of the Lord – Lectio Divina
I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord. Isaiah 63: 7a Count your blessings. I hear that over and over again, Lord. But I so often fail to recount the merciful gifts from you. I ignore the days I walk without pain. The breaths I take without difficulty. The sleep I enjoy under your protective watch. The simple movements of my fingers on this keyboard. The whooshing sound of the flock of sparrows by the feeder outside of my office. The sun brightly shining in winter and white vapor of my breath as I whistle in the cool air. The smell of coffee on my desk in a familiar mug. The mixture of tastes in my breakfast of pineapple, melon and strawberries. The goodbye kiss of my hubby and the giggles of my grandkids. So many tiny incidences that transmit love from your heart into mine. You are present in every sound, smell, sight and moment. You are there in every second and you seep into the cells of my … [Read more...]
Do the Right Thing – Lectio Divina
"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream an said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus...' When Joseph awoke from sleep he did as the angel of the Lord commend him." Matthew 1: 18-21, 24 Joseph did the right thing. Lord, that isn't always easy or popular. Joseph sounds like a thoughtful, godly man -one who considered options thoroughly before preceding, like planning a project in his carpenter shop. Joseph made a decision but waited before taking action. Did he pray, Lord? … [Read more...]
Together with One Voice – Lectio Divina
"Together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."Roman 15: 6With one voiceCome Holy Spirit, kindle the fire within our hearts.Unite our voices to sing your praises.We come with thanks once again to your table, knowing gratitude opens our hearts to receive you.You are the source of all hope, light and joy in Advent and in all time.This week John the Baptist calls us to repentance.He baptizes with water but you, Lord, anoint us with your spirit.We come to you, receiving refreshment to serve you and others.But it is only in you we do anything.Only you, Lord.One Lord.One Voice … [Read more...]
Wake Up, My Child- Lectio Divina
"Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believes; the night is far gone, the day is near." Romans 13: 11-12 a"Therefore you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."Matthew 24: 44Lord, I love the twilight when you first arouse me from slumber.I sense your presence sitting by my bed, gently awakening me for the day ahead."Wake up, my child." I smile. You smile. Time to get ready.The night is gone and the day is near.I don't know what this day will hold, Lord.Maybe I will get done all I have planned.Perhaps you will bring interruptions of more importance into my path.God surprises may take me into unplanned twists and turns. I don't know, but you do, Lord.Lord. You contain all time. You hold the future with one hand and embrace us with the other.When will you come back for us, Lord?Will I be ready?"Wake up my child."You tell me it's time to wake up. Get … [Read more...]
My King – Lectio Divina
This is the King of the Jews.Luke 23: 38bKing of the JewsLord you are the King.I cast aside my ingrained independent American point of view to bow down before you.Sovereign King of all. You are my all.A King to be obeyed.I am to stay silent, listening to you and only you.A King to follow. I match my steps to yours.A servant King - healing, helping, honoring the lowly and unloved.As your servant, I am to mirror your ways.A King who pardons.I bring my sinful heart to you asking for forgivenessA King who loves.May I love as you love.You are my King. My Ruler.My Master.My Lord. … [Read more...]