Meditation: The kingdom is here - now (if we want it)

We read every day of murder abuse terror rape.
Our world seems full of violence and ego; but
while ego and violence scratch us all, many 
many lives are still lived quietly and in hope.

   Spirit am I, made in God's image, and
   only each of us can save the world:
   each one of us is the body of Christ.

The violence of hunger disease cruelty abuse:
people and creation used for quick gain - daily,
but daily too, lives of prayer and good works, people reaching to our Creator in hope and faith and love.

   Spirit am I, made in God's image, and
   only each of us can save the world: 
   each one of us is the body of Christ.

The kingdom is in us, and we are each priest prophet 
and king: blessing, healing, forgiving, protecting - 
waiting for the scales to move -  
the kingdom among us.

   Spirit am I, made in God's image, and
   only each of us can save the world:
   each one of us is the body of Christ.

But first we need more pray-ers, empty seekers,
willing to sacrifice and forgive, speak out, and shepherd.
That is me. It is you. The kingdom is here. Now.
But we must choose to see past darkness, pain, despair.

   Spirit am I, made in God's image, and
   only each of us can save the world:
   each one of us is the body of Christ.

Leaders must lead. Not to entrench power, 
but to create a new earth, a new kingdom.
Each of us must live fully: not to hoard for sham security, 
but to grow our being and our bond with God.

   Spirit am I, made in God's image, and
   only each of us can save the world:
   each one of us is the body of Christ.

Ego must be seen as the devil it is - 
only then will we notice, gently push it aside, 
and live wholly for each other, live wholly for love, 
live wholly for God.

   Spirit am I, made in God's image, and
   only each of us can save the world:
   each one of us is the body of Christ.

Suggestions for meditation

Always begin by offering your time to God: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time when I am reaching out to you" and then a few moments reminding yourself of some of the blessings God has given you - the clear signs of God's love for you. The exact words of the prayer are not important but you do need a firm intention to open yourself to God's input.

Read the mediation over slowly a couple of times.

Listen for Jesus' personal message for you.

If you would prefer a more authoritative reading to focus your meditation try Luke 17, 20-24

Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. 

His answer was, “The Kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen. No one will say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ because the Kingdom of God is within you." 

Then he said to the disciples, “The time will come when you will wish you could see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, over there!’ or, ‘Look, over here!’ But don't go out looking for it. 

As the lightning flashes across the sky and lights it up from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 

Focus on this passage or the meditation slowly a couple of times.

What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?

Why? Try to put yourself into those words. Maybe imagine Jesus speaking, and reply.

Then spend 5, or 10, or 20 minutes with those words, or the word KINGDOM or the word GOD. 

You need a clear intention to empty your mind of random thoughts (you won't be entirely successful but you need the intention). 

You might want to begin the meditation using the breathing exercise I suggest in We have two minds. 

After a minute or two focused on your breathing, move your focus to the word/s you have chosen. 

Each time your attention moves away from the word/s, push the distraction gently aside and return to the word ("without the intervention of analytical thought" as The Cloud of Unknowing puts it).

You may need a countdown clock.

At the end thank God, and return to your day.