We enter the last week of Lenten Nourishment. We have looked at scripture, inspirational writing and different practices that can enhance our life in the Spirit.
Each day this week, mindfully take some time to reflect on those practices that you found most helpful.
Wednesday, March 23
“Lord, help me control my tongue. Help me be careful about what I say.” Psalm 141:3
Choosing our words carefully is one of the most important spiritual disciplines we can practice. In this, we can choose to be loving and kind to others.
So pause, take a few breaths, before you reply in anger or in fear. Breathe in God’s love and breathe out tension. In those pauses, God’s grace can be experienced.
Thursday, March 24
“The divine will is the wholeness, the good and the true in all things. Like God, the universal Being, it is manifest in everything.” Jean-Pierre de Caussade
Take a few moments to become still. Quiet your breath and feel the cool air enter your nostrils and the warm air flow gently out. Contemplate the divine will being wholeness and goodness in all things. What is the divine will for you in this moment?
Friday, March 25
“And what precisely is “self surrender”? It involves the faith or trust that acts on conviction that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.” Michael Casey
On Good Friday, we experience the ultimate self sacrifice of Jesus. He spoke out against the corruption of the religious community that was collaborating with an oppressive regime and called the Jewish nation back into a pure, simple relationship with God. His message was simple, Love God first and love others with that same love. Take some time to breathe in and think, Love God, and breathe out, Love others.
Saturday, March 26
“A branch will grow from the stump of a tree that was cut down.” Isaiah 11:1
The coastal redwoods are immense trees. Many of the seemingly endless forests were cut down for lumber or to clear the land. Where the mighty trees once stood, stumps are all that seems to remain. Often, little trees will sprout from the bases of these fallen giants. So it was with Jesus and so it is with us. Events may happen where it feels like we have lost everything, and yet, with time, new shoots of life will emerge. In your quiet time today, quiet your breath. Consider how life and new possibilities emerged after a difficult time in your life.
Sunday, March 27
“Praise the Lord! My whole being, praise the Lord…I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.” Psalm 146:1-2
Lent is now completed. May you feel nourished by some of the offerings of the past seven weeks.