Thursday, second week of Lent
I've still been thinking about what prayer really is. I know it is a conversation with God and listening for His voice as well, but I wonder if it is more? Could it be that prayer teaches us our native tongue? I don't mean the gift of a prayer language, I mean the language of God. As I was meditating on Jesus walking on the water and the call of Peter to, "Come," I had a strange experience.
I imagined myself as Peter and as soon as I put my feet on the water I started speaking in German to Jesus. Here is the interesting thing you need to know- my father spoke German and God whispered to me, "I don't want you to learn your father's native tongue, I want you to learn Mine. My words of love and mercy need to be spoken in your soul."
I wonder what God would say to you if you stepped out of the boat and walked on the water to Him? What would you say to Him?
Medicine from Sacred Scriptures:
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:27
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
HOUSEKEEPING
Tuesday, second week of Lent
Piles of sheets waiting to be washed are the remnants of last week's house guests. I had prepared for their coming with freshly made beds and clean towels. When the guest of our soul is Christ I wonder how we would greet Him; how we would get ready for His arrival? Would we wash windows and mop floors? This "getting ready" is the essence of prayer. Welcoming Christ into a clean house is repentance; even the pile of linen reminds me there is a little work left undone. The preparation of Lent is for God to, "create in us a pure heart." Psalm 51:10
Are there a few items you need to clean out to be ready for Him to enter?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"And if you display a pure life the light remains indwelling continually. For He said, 'He that loves me will keep My commandments; and I and My Father will come to him and make Our home with him.'" St. Chrysostom Homilies on John Homily V.4 NPNF14.24
Piles of sheets waiting to be washed are the remnants of last week's house guests. I had prepared for their coming with freshly made beds and clean towels. When the guest of our soul is Christ I wonder how we would greet Him; how we would get ready for His arrival? Would we wash windows and mop floors? This "getting ready" is the essence of prayer. Welcoming Christ into a clean house is repentance; even the pile of linen reminds me there is a little work left undone. The preparation of Lent is for God to, "create in us a pure heart." Psalm 51:10
Are there a few items you need to clean out to be ready for Him to enter?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"And if you display a pure life the light remains indwelling continually. For He said, 'He that loves me will keep My commandments; and I and My Father will come to him and make Our home with him.'" St. Chrysostom Homilies on John Homily V.4 NPNF14.24
AN OPEN DOOR
Monday, second week of Lent
"Will you be awake until 10pm?" The question comes almost every night because our daughter likes to sleep with her door open so she can hear the noise of people in the house as she is falling asleep. I wonder if God would like an open door in our soul and have us listening as He makes His home in us this Lent.
Are we willing to allow the light of His Presence to fill us and inform our actions?
Medicine From Sacred Writings:
"Do not shut your doors against this light, and you shall enjoy great happiness. This light comes by faith and when it has come, it lights abundantly him that has received it." St. Chrysostom Homilies on John Homily V.4 NPNF 14.24
"Will you be awake until 10pm?" The question comes almost every night because our daughter likes to sleep with her door open so she can hear the noise of people in the house as she is falling asleep. I wonder if God would like an open door in our soul and have us listening as He makes His home in us this Lent.
Are we willing to allow the light of His Presence to fill us and inform our actions?
Medicine From Sacred Writings:
"Do not shut your doors against this light, and you shall enjoy great happiness. This light comes by faith and when it has come, it lights abundantly him that has received it." St. Chrysostom Homilies on John Homily V.4 NPNF 14.24
Sunday, February 24, 2013
HEART- BROKEN
Second Sunday in Lent
To live in this world with people is to have a broken heart- sooner or later. So many things hurt us deeply- the death of a loved one, the loss of a friend, the painful exchange of words with someone close to us, the terrifying diagnosis. This morning I listened to a friend who recently lost her son- -there were no words of comfort, all I could do was offer my presence. I wonder if that is what God is longing for? What if we allowed God to come close to us in prayer? What if Lent were about seeking His Presence and bringing Him all the broken places in us and asking Him to make us whole through prayer and repentance?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
To live in this world with people is to have a broken heart- sooner or later. So many things hurt us deeply- the death of a loved one, the loss of a friend, the painful exchange of words with someone close to us, the terrifying diagnosis. This morning I listened to a friend who recently lost her son- -there were no words of comfort, all I could do was offer my presence. I wonder if that is what God is longing for? What if we allowed God to come close to us in prayer? What if Lent were about seeking His Presence and bringing Him all the broken places in us and asking Him to make us whole through prayer and repentance?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
PROVISION
Saturday, first week of Lent
The house was filled with people and laughter, as guests joined us for dinner. We need friends along the journey- to come alongside us, remind us and to enjoy life with. So much of the "work" of Lent is solitary-fasting,repenting, praying, giving, but the fruit of this spiritual work is felt in relationship. Have we made provision in our souls for the times we travel alone so that we journey better with others?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can pick him up. But pity the man who falls down and has no one to help him up! also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
The house was filled with people and laughter, as guests joined us for dinner. We need friends along the journey- to come alongside us, remind us and to enjoy life with. So much of the "work" of Lent is solitary-fasting,repenting, praying, giving, but the fruit of this spiritual work is felt in relationship. Have we made provision in our souls for the times we travel alone so that we journey better with others?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can pick him up. But pity the man who falls down and has no one to help him up! also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Friday, February 22, 2013
FALLING
Friday, first week of Lent
I am no good at that trust game where you close your eyes and free-fall backwards hoping someone will catch you. To me, that is what trusting God looks like- I have to fall into His arms of grace and hope He catches me; so far His track record is impeccable.
When do you have trouble resting and trusting? Try looking into your heart, asking forgiveness for what you know to be wrong, and then rest quietly and confidently and watch what happens in you and in your relationships.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." Isaiah 30:15
I am no good at that trust game where you close your eyes and free-fall backwards hoping someone will catch you. To me, that is what trusting God looks like- I have to fall into His arms of grace and hope He catches me; so far His track record is impeccable.
When do you have trouble resting and trusting? Try looking into your heart, asking forgiveness for what you know to be wrong, and then rest quietly and confidently and watch what happens in you and in your relationships.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." Isaiah 30:15
Thursday, February 21, 2013
COMING CLEAN
Thursday, first week of Lent
Warm winter sun is streaming through the sun room windows, but all I can see are cobwebs clinging to the corners of the ceiling. Lent is like this. All kinds of light floods into our souls and hearts, and the call is to do a little house cleaning.
With a step ladder and shaky legs I reach high and remove what needs to be removed. I am afraid I will fall trying to reach it all because I am a perfectionist, but I only have to clear away what I can see and reach. I can do no more, but in light of Lent, I can do no less.
Dare we ask God to show us what needs to be cleared out of our lives, hearts and minds?
Medicine from Sacred Writing:
"Make your soul level and clear, and so offer it to Him who is to write on it... sweep your mind clear." St. Chrysostom Homilies on First Corinthians Homily X.2 NPNF vol 12.54
Warm winter sun is streaming through the sun room windows, but all I can see are cobwebs clinging to the corners of the ceiling. Lent is like this. All kinds of light floods into our souls and hearts, and the call is to do a little house cleaning.
With a step ladder and shaky legs I reach high and remove what needs to be removed. I am afraid I will fall trying to reach it all because I am a perfectionist, but I only have to clear away what I can see and reach. I can do no more, but in light of Lent, I can do no less.
Dare we ask God to show us what needs to be cleared out of our lives, hearts and minds?
Medicine from Sacred Writing:
"Make your soul level and clear, and so offer it to Him who is to write on it... sweep your mind clear." St. Chrysostom Homilies on First Corinthians Homily X.2 NPNF vol 12.54
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
LISTENING IN LENT
Wednesday, first week of Lent
The tears streaming down my face betrayed my heart: I could fast outwardly from all sorts of things (meat, dessert, wine, flour, criticism, shopping) but still I could be far from the One who made me. He keeps wooing me and all He asks is for me to hear His call to feed the poor, shelter those in need, loose the bonds, set the captive free. Sometimes the captive is closer than we realize- our own families need the shelter of love, a family member may be caught in addiction, or a friend oppressed by life's demands.
What keeps you from hearing His voice and answering His call?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer shelter..." Isaiah 58:6, 7
The tears streaming down my face betrayed my heart: I could fast outwardly from all sorts of things (meat, dessert, wine, flour, criticism, shopping) but still I could be far from the One who made me. He keeps wooing me and all He asks is for me to hear His call to feed the poor, shelter those in need, loose the bonds, set the captive free. Sometimes the captive is closer than we realize- our own families need the shelter of love, a family member may be caught in addiction, or a friend oppressed by life's demands.
What keeps you from hearing His voice and answering His call?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer shelter..." Isaiah 58:6, 7
FASTING FROM WHAT?
Tuesday, first week of Lent
We were discussing Lent in class yesterday when one woman declared she was fasting from critical thoughts. Ouch. What would happen in us and in our relationships if we did this? How can we create space in our souls to love those who hurt us and deal with those who annoy us? We could simply pray and ask God for His thoughts.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8, 9
We were discussing Lent in class yesterday when one woman declared she was fasting from critical thoughts. Ouch. What would happen in us and in our relationships if we did this? How can we create space in our souls to love those who hurt us and deal with those who annoy us? We could simply pray and ask God for His thoughts.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8, 9
Monday, February 18, 2013
BREAKFAST WITH GOD
Monday, first week of Lent
Waffles, strawberries and whipped cream lined the counter this morning as we prepared for another Monday; but an unexpected power outage brought us house guests. We made room. What joy- little ones who say, "Come here, come here, come here!" A little different than our "normal" teenage morning.
I think this is the true meaning of Lent- God saying, "Come here, come here, come here," drawing us close to His heart of love. "Want to have breakfast sometime?" My friend's question stole quietly into my heart and soothed the lonely places in me. I wonder what would happen if we answered God's call to come near?
Medicine from Sacred Writing:
"So God asks us to come to a table of fasting, to breakfast there, while others eat. How can this be? "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." We come to feast with God at the table of fasting; He fills us with good things- with His words, His compassion and perspective on the poor, on our own appetites."
St. Augustine on the Psalms Psalm XLIII.7 NPNF vol 8:140
Waffles, strawberries and whipped cream lined the counter this morning as we prepared for another Monday; but an unexpected power outage brought us house guests. We made room. What joy- little ones who say, "Come here, come here, come here!" A little different than our "normal" teenage morning.
I think this is the true meaning of Lent- God saying, "Come here, come here, come here," drawing us close to His heart of love. "Want to have breakfast sometime?" My friend's question stole quietly into my heart and soothed the lonely places in me. I wonder what would happen if we answered God's call to come near?
Medicine from Sacred Writing:
"So God asks us to come to a table of fasting, to breakfast there, while others eat. How can this be? "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." We come to feast with God at the table of fasting; He fills us with good things- with His words, His compassion and perspective on the poor, on our own appetites."
St. Augustine on the Psalms Psalm XLIII.7 NPNF vol 8:140
HELD
First Sunday in Lent
Snow swirled on the roads as I skidded into church yesterday- a telling picture of my exhausting week: boys' races, teacher conferences, dinners and people commitments had all depleted me. I needed rest.
The heavenly Father quieted the storm in me as I obediently gave Him that time of worship. He held me in His mercy. All the rush, the frantic pace and misplaced priorities melted in the light of His presence. Do you need help, do you need to be quieted by His love? Run into His arms and ask, "Hold me in Your mercy."
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
Snow swirled on the roads as I skidded into church yesterday- a telling picture of my exhausting week: boys' races, teacher conferences, dinners and people commitments had all depleted me. I needed rest.
The heavenly Father quieted the storm in me as I obediently gave Him that time of worship. He held me in His mercy. All the rush, the frantic pace and misplaced priorities melted in the light of His presence. Do you need help, do you need to be quieted by His love? Run into His arms and ask, "Hold me in Your mercy."
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
Sunday, February 17, 2013
SNOW
Saturday After Ash Wednesday
I woke Saturday to a fresh snow; layers of white wrapped the early morning in stillness. I thought of the Lord's words in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, let us reason together, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
On this journey in Lent would we be willing to talk to Our Father and reason with Him? Could we ask Him about our sin and see what He has to say? We might be surprised; I see the scarlet of my sin, He sees snow.
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"Blessed be God who has comforted our sorrowing souls and stayed our agitate spirits."
St. John Chrysostom Homily IV Concerning the Statues NPNF1 vol 9, 364
I woke Saturday to a fresh snow; layers of white wrapped the early morning in stillness. I thought of the Lord's words in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, let us reason together, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
On this journey in Lent would we be willing to talk to Our Father and reason with Him? Could we ask Him about our sin and see what He has to say? We might be surprised; I see the scarlet of my sin, He sees snow.
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"Blessed be God who has comforted our sorrowing souls and stayed our agitate spirits."
St. John Chrysostom Homily IV Concerning the Statues NPNF1 vol 9, 364
Friday, February 15, 2013
SPRING THAW
Sun poured down yesterday in the White Mountains as I watched our boys race. The late winter snow yielded to the warmth of the day. Last week's blizzard dumped plenty of powder for their skiing, but Mother Nature was melting all she had made.
There is so much in my heart that needs a good spring thaw:
~ resentments piling up like ice jams causing structural havoc on the roof of my soul
~daily frustrations settling like a cold snap causing frigidness in my relationships
~fresh onslaughts of cares, concerns and worries which toss me about like a nor'easter
~doubts and fears acting like black ice tripping me up when I least expect it
A winter walk under a dazzling blue sky touched the frozen places in me. What was it that lifted my soul? It was the light. I can choose to lift my face and feel the sunshine warm me and let God's creation remind me: Someone is watching over me.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will never slumber." Psalm 121:1-3
There is so much in my heart that needs a good spring thaw:
~ resentments piling up like ice jams causing structural havoc on the roof of my soul
~daily frustrations settling like a cold snap causing frigidness in my relationships
~fresh onslaughts of cares, concerns and worries which toss me about like a nor'easter
~doubts and fears acting like black ice tripping me up when I least expect it
A winter walk under a dazzling blue sky touched the frozen places in me. What was it that lifted my soul? It was the light. I can choose to lift my face and feel the sunshine warm me and let God's creation remind me: Someone is watching over me.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will never slumber." Psalm 121:1-3
WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF LENT
A friend of mine goes into the depths of despair during Lent- so much focus on sin and repentance and purifying ourselves can be overwhelming as we look within ourselves and find so little that is holy. So, I decided I would write the forty days of Lent- you may want to follow along if you struggle with the how and why of Lent.
On Ash Wednesday I was marked with ashes that signified I was Christ's own.
"Do my words and actions tell others I am His? The call of Lent is the call to die to our old way of living," Fr. Don said. I cried through the service as I realized just how much had to die in me to be holy and His. I don't need to stumble around in the darkness of my old ways- anger and frustration and resentment; I can let them go in the light of Lent. I can embrace the One who is called the Light of the world and ask Him to take my hand this Lenten season and lead me in holiness.
So every day of Lent I will write a little thought, snippet or post something from Sacred writing or Scripture that might light your path.
Medicine from Holy Scripture:
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7
On Ash Wednesday I was marked with ashes that signified I was Christ's own.
"Do my words and actions tell others I am His? The call of Lent is the call to die to our old way of living," Fr. Don said. I cried through the service as I realized just how much had to die in me to be holy and His. I don't need to stumble around in the darkness of my old ways- anger and frustration and resentment; I can let them go in the light of Lent. I can embrace the One who is called the Light of the world and ask Him to take my hand this Lenten season and lead me in holiness.
So every day of Lent I will write a little thought, snippet or post something from Sacred writing or Scripture that might light your path.
Medicine from Holy Scripture:
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7
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