Pilgrimage to Easter: Day 8

Meditation for Wednesday 17 February
... 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.
  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.

Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.

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.

Meditation: My Promise (Psalm 101)

Psalm 101: David's psalm of Re-dedication

My song is about truth and honour,

   and I sing it to you, O Lord.

Each day, each hour, I commit myself 

   to take one step on my path to you.

I will look upon what is true, and make 

   each hour, each moment, my prayer to you.

I fear those who deny God in their lives;

   their influence draws so many away.   

I will stay away from people who live for pleasure

   and will have nothing to do with those who use others.

I will walk away from all who whisper
   lies and destructive deceits about others;

I will not tolerate anyone

   who believes they have special entitlement.

I will work only with those seeking truth

    and will make them strong in my regard;

those who search with honesty

    will I trust and hear.

Those who deceive themselves or others

    will wait at the side;

day after day I will speak out against

   the liars and hypocrites in our land.

I will avoid all who seek first their pleasure and comfort 

   so their temptations are far from me.

My song is of truth and honour,

   and I sing it to you, O Lord.

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 ask your blessing" 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.

Read the mediation over slowly a couple of times.

Listen for Jesus' personal message for you.

If you would prefer a traditional Bible reading I suggest Psalm 101

My song is about loyalty and justice, and I sing it to you, O Lord.

My conduct will be faultless. When will you come to me?

I will live a pure life in my house and will never tolerate evil. 

I hate the actions of those who turn away from God;     

I will have nothing to do with them.

I will not be dishonest and will have no dealings with evil. 

I will get rid of anyone who whispers evil things about someone else; 

I will not tolerate anyone who is proud and arrogant.

I will approve of those who are faithful to God and will let them live in my palace.

Those who are completely honest will be allowed to serve me.

No liar will live in my palace; no hypocrite will remain in my presence.

Day after day I will destroy the wicked in our land;

I will expel all who are evil from the city of the Lord.

1. Read this passage or the meditation slowly a couple of times.
2. What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?
3. Why? Try to put yourself into those words. Maybe imagine Jesus speaking, and reply.
4. Then spend 5, or 10, or 20 minutes with those words, or the words MY PROMISE. 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.