Meditation for Thursday 18 February
... from the readings of the day:
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
Matthew 7:9-10
Our Papa, Abba, our loving Father, you made
each of us, and are so proud of each one.
We know you want only good for us.
You give us everything we truly ask for.
But we do need to actually ask;
but not to "let Abba know" -
God knows what is right for us before we do.
Jesus tries so hard to be clear and explain:
it is up to us to find ways to
seek in faith - working with God so we discover what we need to fulfil God's will; to
knock in hope - and open doors
we had not thought were for us; then to
ask in love - already in unity with God's plan;
to ask knowing it is ours, able to
say thank you before we finish asking!
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, Matthew 7:7-12
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 FATHER.
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.
... from the readings of the day:
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
Matthew 7:9-10
Our Papa, Abba, our loving Father, you made
each of us, and are so proud of each one.
We know you want only good for us.
You give us everything we truly ask for.
But we do need to actually ask;
but not to "let Abba know" -
God knows what is right for us before we do.
Jesus tries so hard to be clear and explain:
it is up to us to find ways to
seek in faith - working with God so we discover what we need to fulfil God's will; to
knock in hope - and open doors
we had not thought were for us; then to
ask in love - already in unity with God's plan;
to ask knowing it is ours, able to
say thank you before we finish asking!
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, Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:“Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.Which one of you would hand his son a stonewhen he asked for a loaf of bread,or a snake when he asked for a fish?If you then, who are wicked,know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will your heavenly Father give good thingsto those who ask him.Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
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 FATHER.
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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