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Daily Reflection for Thursday Jan 19, 2012

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

 “My wanderings you have counted; my tears are stored in your flask; are they not recorded in your book?”  Psalm 56.9

Reflection

Each human being is precious and unique. We are all created in the image of God.

Perhaps this Psalm may help me remember this profound truth as I ponder each word slowly.

Prayer

Beloved Tear Catcher:

Your personal love awaits discovery in the problems and pains of life. I release into you and take a break from myself, trusting your love.

I am known, loved and guided by your incomprehensible understanding of every dimension of human existence.

Beyond my limits, you will greet me with help.

In Christ. Through Christ. With Christ. In the unity of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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Daily Prayer Refection for Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

“It is you who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.”  Psalm 18.28

 

Reflection

Recently I sat with a friend on a bench outside a hospital room listening to him process the unexpected diagnosis of cancer… And there was darkness.

This morning I sat in silence watching the sunrise crest over the hills…And there was light.

Just before that happened, before there was much light on the horizon at all, I stood outside and closed my eyes.  I thought: right now all around this planet, millions are living, millions are being born and millions are dying. It is a cycle of breath coming in and releasing out.

Perhaps there will come a day when  my wife is meeting with a pastor outside my hospital room sharing news of an unexpected diagnosis.  Perhaps you know what I mean.

At first, we think we are separate bodies, living separate lives. Secretly, we say things like: He has the diagnosis. They are suffering over there. I hope that doesn’t happen to me. And then we suffer too.

It seems to me impossible to understand. But I can feel love arising through the experience of being human together and somehow God is having the experience with us…whatever happens to the least of these is happening to me.

 

Prayer

God of Light inside the Night of All Human Suffering:

Connecting us to your eternal Life beyond this physical form, we remember who we are in you and who you are in us.

In Christ, nothing can separate us from your love. Including every human experience. Help us through this cycle of life until your Breath is complete.

Amen.

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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Daily Prayer Reflection for Tuesday Jan 17, 2012

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

 Lord Jesus, Living Christ:

Strengthen us in love.

Nourish us in faith.

Draw us into your life.

We consent to you this day, and request your shield of favor so to proceed with a certain strength of love. Amen.

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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Daily Reflection for Monday Jan 16, 2012

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

“No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”  Mark 2.22

Every day offers a fresh start. What do I need to release from my life in order to receive the new Life God is calling me into?

 

Living God of Love:

Lead me into the Presence of your Word that I might know what to do; and do it in faith, remembering You as it is being done.

In and through Christ.

Amen.

 

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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Daily Reflection for Friday Jan 13, 2012

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

 “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” – Jesus said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”  Mark 2.9

When confronted with two good options, I wish to remember the healing of the paralytic who experienced the extravagant blessing of receiving both options at the same time.

With God all things are possible and I aim to not limit God’s power in my life with language of despair, restriction or defeat.

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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Daily Reflection for Thursday Jan 12, 2012

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

 “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”  Mark 1.40

Broken by life and aware of my suffering, I gently place my pain with God trusting today with the Leper in the merciful heart of Jesus and his Mother to also be touched in just the right way that heals old wounds, sustains present and future growth.

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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For Christmas, Christ – a Christmas day sermon by Peter Traben Haas

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

In this sermon, pastor Peter Haas shares a simple analogy to help convey the meaning of Christmas.

 

 

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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Daily Reflection for Wednesday Jan 11, 2012

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

 “The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.”  1 Samuel 3.4

What would I say if I heard God calling my name?

Perhaps I have ceased to believe such an encounter could occur?

Perhaps I have resisted entering into the silence of the inner temple or preferred to stay asleep?

Lord, with Samuel I declare again today: I am here, silent and surrendered, calm and free, open to the Word of God.

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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Daily Reflection for Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

“I have had neither wine nor liquor; I was only pouring out my troubles to the LORD.”   1 Samuel 1.15

To love God and live a life centered around prayer is often misunderstood by family members and friends.

I join with Hanna, mother of the mighty prophet Samuel in earnest re-dedication of my life to God, despite how others may misunderstand my choices.

 

 

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

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Daily Reflection for Monday, January 9, 2012

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Contemplative Christianity

“And the Spirit, like a dove, descended upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1.11

 

Do you remember the first time you heard someone tell you that they loved you? Feel the profundity of that moment. I re-claim Abba’s declaration of belovedness as the deepest truth for all of humanity today, especially for those moments when it is so easy to forget.

 

© 2012. All Rights Reserved.

ContemplativeChristians.com is an online spiritual resource for the contemplative Christian journey deeper into God’s love, celebrating the gifts of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Service, Nature, and especially the writings of Thomas Keating, and other teachers, contemplatives and mystics who have contributed to our understanding of the spiritual journey and contemplative Christianity.

Filed under: Contemplative christianity, Daily Reflection | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

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