Ever notice the Hebrew word, selah, in the Psalms? SELAH – Though opinions differ on its exact meaning, many experts say the word comes from the primary Hebrew root word [calah], which literally means “to hang,” and by implication to measure (weigh). In Biblical history, money, food, and other valuables were “weighed” by hanging or suspending them on a type of balance (the equivalent of our measuring scale) to determine their value.Selah signals that it is time to “measure” carefully the meaning of what has been said and to reflect on some deeper wisdom and understand its true meaning. Stop and listen. Pause and Reflect. Dwell in the moment and drink in the meaning of life.Observe the ordinary in silence; consider all the details of this one precious moment.Slow down and listen to God.Doesn’t sounds like modern life, does it?Selah is like a stop sign. The intermission or half time. Or refreshing recess. Yes I like the idea of a recess. An adult recess. A break from the busy, craziness … [Read more...]
BEDTIME PRAYERS: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and the Daily Examen
One of my earliest memories is my mother tucking me into bed and reciting with me the classic children’s prayer:Now I lay me down to sleep,I pray the Lord my soul to keep.If I should die before I wake,I pray the Lord my soul to take.The origins of this prayer are unknown. However, the first printed edition was in Boston in 1737.I know there are several versions of this including a humorous one for single women:Now I lay me down to sleepI pray for a man who is not a creep…But I digress…As an adult I have a different bedtime prayer ritual, the Daily Examen.The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience. It originates with St. Ignatius. The simple steps of this prayer are:1. Quiet yourself. And allow yourself to relax into God’s loving arms. Some people imagine sitting on … [Read more...]
Singing in the Presence of God – Lectio Divina
“On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. ” Psalm 100:1, MSG Sing yourselves into his presenceJump up onto my feet!Clap my hands! The Lord is present!!Tilt my head back and laugh aloud!Dance with glee and abandonment! The Lord is here!I don’t have to worry the God is goneI cast my fear away that He can’t love my unworthiness. The Lord is full of grace and love!When discouragement overwhelms meWhen hope disappears I will sing myself into Your presence.Music magically melts my masks and draws me into my Father’s arms - To be held To be forgiven To be loved.Nothing separates us from the love of GodNothingBut when the shiny decoys of the world and my blinding ego block my sight,I once again find You, Lord, though laughter and singing. … [Read more...]
The Word of God from God – Quote of the Week
Dear Child,Before you open my Word this morning, stop and consider what you are holding in your hands. It is more than paper and ink, more than words and sentences.You are holding in your hands the very essence of who I am!My Word in my nature, my wisdom, my guidance, my love distilled into letter form.You are holding health and life, truth and healing.Keep my Word before your eyes. Give it permission to roam in the rooms of your heart – cleaning, straightening, rearranging; closing doors on some things, opening windows on others.My Word can be for your heart a companion, a hearth, and a housekeeper; a gardener to weed your thoughts and a guard against intruders.And so, as you open my Word this day, read with your eyes, but listen with your life.I want to speak to you,GodFrom the book Postcards from Heaven by Claire CloningerMy child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring … [Read more...]
His Eye is on the Sparrow
I learned the other day the story behind one of my favorite hymns: His Eye is on the Sparrow. If you don’t know that song or do and want to enjoy it again, listen here on You Tube, featuring the singing group, Selah. One approach to prayer I really like is to read aloud , not sing, the words of a hymn and let them seep into my heart and spirit. Here are all of the words to this song to add to your devotions:Why should I feel discouragedWhy should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.Whenever I am tempted, … [Read more...]
The Pleasure of Your Company
When you are in love you want to spend time with that person. You let your eyes soak in every move they make, your ears cling to their every sound, and your heart just bursts with joy.I am in love.In love with my granddaughter, Kyla. She whooshed into my heart in June 2009 and continues to capture my attention whenever we are together. I watched her the other day. Stooping to pick up a crumb on the floor, studying it like a treasure from antiquity. She devours spaghetti with gusto and delicious delight. I giggled as she creates fun from an everyday object. Only a child’s heart and mind can see new possibilities in an ordinary humdrum of life.Each new day is a wonderful opportunity to learn and explore.Kyla went with us shopping the other day. I sat in the third row of the Suburban and even as she slept, snuggled in the arms of her car seat, I couldn’t keep my eyes from her. I enjoy just the pleasure of your company, Kyla, I thought. That phrase stuck with me – the pleasure of your … [Read more...]
Refreshment Stand – Lectio Divina
They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and water gushed out. Isaiah 48:21 (NIV)They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts.Lord, you are my refreshment. The only water that satisfies my parched throat.I search elsewhere, especially in dry times, only to return to Your rock. When I once again realize You are my only source, You spill your love and grace with unrestrained generosity upon me like gushers of water.I arrive scorched by the heat of the world. You pick me up. You replenish my soul. May I taste Your goodness and sip Your streams of revitalizing waters.Lord, I have heard the human body is more than 70% water. May You be in every molecule of that fluid within me. You are the restoring water.You are the source of all renewal.You are Life. … [Read more...]
What is God Building? – Quote of the Week by C. S. Lewis
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself." C.S. Lewis – Mere Christianity. … [Read more...]