• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Legal Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • About Healthy Spirituality
  • Speaking
  • Healthy Spirituality Store
  • Resources
  • Bio
  • Healthy Spirituality Gift Guide

Unlocking Fear’s Door – Lectio Divina

April 27, 2014 By Jean Wise

Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house.

Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant.

Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”

John 20: 19-21 – The Message

healthyspirituality.org 

Like the disciples, too often I let fear lock the door of my heart.

Solid barriers of worry and anxiety seal the entrance.

The padlocks of dread close any openness.

But the locked doors after the resurrection didn’t stop you at all, Jesus.

You entered in.

You stood among them.

You offered peace that couldn’t be found anyplace else.

And the disciples saw you with their own eyes and were jubilant.

Your presence broke open the doors of fear.

Lord, enter the locked doors of my heart.

Break down the wall of worry and remove the stonewall of all suspicion.

Open wide the entrance and come in.

I long for your peace, your presence.

I want to see you with my eyes and dance with joy like the disciples.

Come Lord Jesus.

 

 

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on Email

Filed Under: lectio divina, prayer

Comments

  1. soulstops says

    April 28, 2014 at 1:44 pm

    Amen…Thank you, Jean 🙂

  2. blankNancy Ruegg says

    April 28, 2014 at 11:49 am

    What an insightful, thought-provoking post, Jean. I love the visual from this post-Easter story. Even when fear and worry lock down my heart, Jesus can break through–especially when I invite him. The way to his peace and presence is really so simple!

    P.S. I remembered to say, “He is still risen,” to a few people at church yesterday. They responded with enthusiasm and big smiles! I think I’ll do it again next Sunday. Hopefully I’ll remember to say it more often!

    • blankJean Wise says

      May 5, 2014 at 6:30 am

      Nancy I think the stories post Easter have a power about them that stir the imagination and faith. Jesus does break thru doesn’t he?

      He is risen!

      • blankNancy Ruegg says

        May 5, 2014 at 12:47 pm

        He is risen indeed–Hallelujah!

  3. blankCeil says

    April 27, 2014 at 11:28 am

    Hi Jean! Your reflection reminds me of the Psalm: “Lift up your gates, lift up your arches..let the King of Glory come.” I pray I can cooperate with his powerful grace to open myself up to his presence.
    Blessings!
    Ceil

    • blankJean Wise says

      May 5, 2014 at 6:29 am

      Hi Ceil. I was on retreat last week and just now getting to comments on the blog. I love when I see your name here and always enjoy reading your words. The workshop was on the Psalms too. Have a lovely week, dear friend

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

blank Read More…

Subscribe to Healthy Spirituality through my email list, Substack and learn more about spiritual practices such as prayer

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Medium
  • Pinterest

NEW BOOK!

My latest book is called: Creating A Rule of Life: A Manual for Dancing to Divine Rhythms

rule of life

 

Search This Blog

Categories

Copyright © 2025 · Jean Wise · Healthy Spirituality

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkNoPrivacy policy
You can revoke your consent any time using the Revoke consent button.Revoke cookies