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Overstuffed

March 7, 2012 by beWARM.

I pray…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ~Ephesians 3:16, 19

The Lenten 40, Day 12

We we describe something as “over the top”, it is most often in the superlative. Overly efficient, overly extravagant, overly attentive to detail  – all terms that indicate a level of effort way beyond what is expected and customary.

Going overboard sometimes feels right – but it does take its toll in terms of energy level.  And worst of all, it sets a precedent of a new normal; will people expect this forevermore?

We hear the phrase “less is more” so often.  We are encouraged to pare down, simplify, minimalize. And our bulging cupboards and closets are clear indicators of our material overconsumption.

Today’s devotional speaks of emptying out – so that we can be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The math of spirituality involves subtraction rather than addition.  ~Muyskens

Hmmm…what feelings or attitudes have I been hoarding that are impeding my spiritual growth? Who do I need to make peace with/forgive so that my heart can be soft and pliable again, ready for His shaping?

Muyskens writes further: Letting go of the desires of the false self frees us to let the transforming work of Christ take place in us.  We will burn with love and faith, joy and hope as we receive the current of the spirit.

Can I really “run on empty”?

God promises that He alone can satisfy the longings of our souls.

Bring it on, Lord.

Today’s Lectio: Psalm 23

My Word: REFRESHES  My Phrase: MY CUP OVERFLOWS

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In Arm’s Rest

I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother.  ~Psalm 131:2

The Lenten 40, Day 13

Today the vision of God holding us in His arms accompanies our meditation time.  Such a comforting image!

From the book: Contemplative prayer is resting silently in the loving arms of God. No words are needed to express this love. A mother may gently sing or speak to her baby, but she spends hours in silence simply holding the child who is content to be cradled in the mother’s arms. At times hunger or irritation gets expressed in a cry. But for many hours there is a silent communication of trust and intimacy.

Today, may you experience this peace and Presence beyond all imagination!

Today’s Lectio: Psalm 131

My Word: QUIETED  My Phrase: PUT YOUR HOPE IN THE LORD

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The Fitting Room

March 5, 2012 by beWARM.

Be renewed in the spirit of your minds. ~Ephesians 4:23

The Lenten 40, Day 11

Nowadays, it’s called the dressing room.  It’s where fashion victims (myself included) go to find an outfit for a special occasion, freshen up a few tired wardrobe pieces, or just have some retail therapy.

Along with the shedding of clothing layers comes a multitude of emotions, dependent on our current state of self-confidence.  The excesses (or exercise regimens) of past months are glaringly exposed, either boosting our spirits or dashing our hopes of ever fitting into that smaller size again.

Bathing suit shopping is the worst.  And, whoever chose those awful lights?

In this spot where externals assume the position of preeminence, we easily forget the beauty of what’s inside.

Today’s reading emphasizes how our true self can emerge as we become closer to the Lord. Muyskens writes:

It is said that we spend the first half of our lives seeking to establish ourselves.  We need to gain the recognition and respect of other people….In the second half of life we want to be who we really are rather than be shaped by the opinion of others. In life’s second half—midlife and mature years—the ego diminishes and the greater self becomes central, finding our identity in God. Life becomes an expression of inner life’s moving into the outer world.  Contemplative prayer is the vehicle for that inward and then outward journey.

When we engage in Centering Prayer, we enter into a room where we can reveal ourselves – and only God can see the worst of our flaws. In His presence, we can strip away the layers that weigh us down, that deprive us of joy.

With His guidance, we can restore our inner beauty, accumulating garments of peace, compassion,forgiveness. Anxiety over figure flaws becomes secondary, inconsequential.

Clothed in God’s love, we become mirrors of His love to others – and our reflections no longer disappoint.

We won’t give up completely on fashion – but rather, strive to fashion our hearts as Christ would.

Today’s Lectio: Ephesians 4:20 – 5:2

My Word – FORGIVING My Phrase – Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. 

 

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Weekend References

March 2, 2012 by beWARM.

Limited words this weekend….will reconnect Monday. Wishing you peaceful prayer time…

For God alone my soul waits in silence. ~ Psalm 62:1,5
The Lenten 40, day 9

Today’s Lectio
Psalm 62
My Word: FORTRESS. My Phrase: Pour out your hearts to Him

The Lenten 40, Day 10
A new heart I will give you, a new spirit I will put within you. ~Ezekiel 36:26
Today’s Lectio: Ezekiel 36:25-26

The Lenten 40, Day 11
Be renewed in the spirit of your minds. ~~Ephesians 4:23

Today’s Lectio: Ephesians 4:20 – 5:2

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Verbal Economics

March 1, 2012 by beWARM.

Do not heap up empty phrases. ~Matthew 6:7

The Lenten 40, Day 8

Can you recall a time when you have said more than you should have?

And then wish you could push the rewind button and start over?

Getting the sensitivity scale just right is a lifetime quest – but one worth striving for.

In Centering Prayer, you find a prayer word that you use repeatedly during your quiet time with God. This word of your choice helps clear your mind of extraneous rubble that only serves as a distraction.

When your mind wanders, using your prayer word says, “I want to return to being with you, God.”

Muyskens describes it this way: The only activity we initiate in Centering Prayer is our return to the sacred word. The rest is God’s work in us. Centering Prayer, based in the theology of grace, is pure gift. In Centering Prayer we receive the gifts of the presence and transforming work of Christ.

Have you chosen a sacred word?

For many years, mine has been Peace. On occasion, I use the phrase, Holy Spirit, shine your Light.

God doesn’t mind our being flexible, I’m sure. He appreciates every word that we direct toward Him.

Let’s think for a moment about the phrase, “They’re only words”. I have heard that said in reference to hurtful statements. I have never agreed with this trivializing , for words can cut through the heart in an instant.

But what about the profound words that heal – that have had a powerful impact over centuries, to all of humanity?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ~John 1:1

You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ~Mark 1:11

These statements, heard so often, reverberate through generations. No drivel here – only Truth.

Use your word/words to speak to our Heavenly Father. Don’t worry about having to say something profound, either.

God is most concerned with the heart thoughts behind the words.

Today’s Lectio: Matthew 6:5-8

My Word – WORDS (!) My Phrase – Your Father knows what you think before you ask Him

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Illumination

February 29, 2012 by beWARM.

Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. ~ Matthew 6:6

The Lenten 40, Day 7

This Scripture quote makes praying sound like a covert operation.  A plausible interpretation suggests that God doesn’t expect us to stand on the street corners and preach; rather, He encourages our moments of conversation with Him, unseen by anyone else.

God wants our prayers to spring from a desire to communicate and spend time with Him – not for the approval or endorsement of others.

He longs for our purest intentions.

For those of you who may just be joining us, we have been doing a Lenten Devotional – 40 Days to A Closer Walk With God, by J. David Muyskens

It revolves around including time for Centering Prayer each day.  Thomas Keating, founder of the Contemplative Outreach network that supports the practice of Centering Prayer, states the following guidelines:

1.Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.

2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.

3. When engaged with your thoughts, return ever-so-gently to your sacred word.

4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

Even if you don’t have the book, these suggestions can help you get started.

When we do enter that sacred silent space with the Lord, He does begin to light up our minds and hearts. That seemingly selfish time we devote to being in His Divine presence ultimately turns our hearts outward – to others, to the world.

And what next?

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  ~Psalm 119:105

Jesus calls us to desire a relationship with Him.  With faith and trust, we can also rely on Him to turn on the high beams when we are trying to find our way in the dark.

His call is simple:  Follow Me.

Are you willing?

Today’s Lectio: Matthew 6:5-6

My Word: UNSEEN  My Phrase:  Pray to Your Father

What have I not been seeing, Lord – because of my own mental roadblocks?  I pray that you will plow down those barriers, and make the way to forward progress clear.

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