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Monday, January 31, 2011
I love you, too
"Remember: You belong to God from eternity to eternity. You were loved by God before you were born; you will be loved by God long after you die. Your human lifetime--long or short--is only a part of your total life in God. The length of time doesn't matter. Life is just a little opportunity for you during a few years to say to God: "I love you, too." (from Nouwen, Spiritual Direction, pg 49)
Contemplative Prayer
"Contemplative prayer is above all else looking at the person of Jesus.
The prayer of simple awareness means we don't have to get anywhere because we are already there. We are simply coming into consciousness that we possess what we seek. Contemplation, defined as looking at Jesus while loving Him, leads not only to intimacy but to the transformation of the person contemplating."
from Brennan Mannings, Abba's Child
The prayer of simple awareness means we don't have to get anywhere because we are already there. We are simply coming into consciousness that we possess what we seek. Contemplation, defined as looking at Jesus while loving Him, leads not only to intimacy but to the transformation of the person contemplating."
from Brennan Mannings, Abba's Child
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Saturday, January 29, 2011
Come Just as You Are
Lately I've become aware of how my life often mirrors people in the Bible. Seeing myself in those scenes often brings the reality of Jesus' presence even closer...
Sometimes I come to Him as the woman desperately needing His healing touch in my heart, knowing that just touching the hem of His garment will change my life.
Sometimes I come to Him as the woman with the alabaster box, so deeply in love with Him, so grateful for what He's done for me, that I simply want to pour out my love and worship at His feet.
Sometimes I come with a prodigal heart, though not outwardly running away, inwardly needing to return again to the experience of my Father's perfect, merciful love.
Sometimes I come to Him as Peter did, having dared to step out of the boat and walk on the water at His invitation, but now finding myself fearful and sinking as I see the waves.
Sometimes I come as Mary, longing to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening intently to what He says.
More often, though, I come as Martha, rushing around, worried about the many things that need to be done.
But always I can come to Him, just as I am.
Regardless of my condition, all He asks is that I come. In every place, in every need, with every circumstance, coming to Jesus is the answer.
Sometimes I come to Him as the woman with the alabaster box, so deeply in love with Him, so grateful for what He's done for me, that I simply want to pour out my love and worship at His feet.
Sometimes I come with a prodigal heart, though not outwardly running away, inwardly needing to return again to the experience of my Father's perfect, merciful love.
Sometimes I come to Him as Peter did, having dared to step out of the boat and walk on the water at His invitation, but now finding myself fearful and sinking as I see the waves.
Sometimes I come as Mary, longing to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening intently to what He says.
More often, though, I come as Martha, rushing around, worried about the many things that need to be done.
But always I can come to Him, just as I am.
Regardless of my condition, all He asks is that I come. In every place, in every need, with every circumstance, coming to Jesus is the answer.
That's why my times at the Springs are so important. It's a very unigue opportunity to simply come to Jesus, for an extended and focused time, and trusting that He will meet me in whatever way I need.
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011
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