... from the readings of the day:
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Psalm 51:12
Many of us know that God is with us and in us
- such good news!
And yet we still focus on our busy lives,
forgetting we were born for a different purpose.
Like Jonah we say "Surely not me!"
and rush into daily life, ignoring
the kingdom within until something happens,
and we can ignore you no longer.
My God, you made me and keep me alive:
I take everything I am and have from you.
I am sorry for the many times I have forgotten you,
the many times I have tried to live without you in my life.
You made me in your image, but separated us,
so I may choose to live in you,
so I may choose to grow in my likeness to you
so I may, with my brothers and sisters, become
your body on Earth and return to you, united in Christ.
Renew my heart, my God.
Help me each moment to live fully aware of you.
And, living always in your presence, make it my delight
to live each moment in unity with your will.
Suggestions for meditation
Always begin by offering your time to God and asking for the grace to grow closer: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time as I reach out to you, and ask that you guide me each day closer to 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 the personal message for you. There will always be one word or phrase that will reach into your heart. Think of it as the personal meaning God has for you alone!
If you would prefer a more authoritative reading to focus your meditation, try this from one of today's readings, Psalm 51:12-13
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
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 15 minutes with your word from Jesus, or the word FORGIVE.
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.
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