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Interesting stories and anecdotes that reach into insights I have gained abroad.
Healing Grief, On-line Course, by Terry Douglas.
You are invited to participate in an 8-
week, on-line course, entitled
Healing Grief Page that captures a journey of healing following deep loss.
February 29, 2012
Posted on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Scripture:
For, as the rain and the snow come down from the sky and do not return before having watered the earth, fertilizing it and making it germinate to provide seed for the sower and food to eat, so it is with the word that goes from my mouth: it will not return to me unfilled or before having carried out my good pleasure and having achieved what it was sent to do. Isaiah 55:10-11
Prayer:
Day 8—The verses of Isaiah remind me of the sunrise that I observed this morning on the beach—first the cumulus taking on a pink glow before the first point of lava-like brightness touched the horizon way out on the ocean, expanding as a fire set to burn off the brush to protect a dense forest. Help that same process occur in the dry regions of my heart.
Response
Yes, see yourself as the field that is being watered and germinated to receive the word, or dry brush that must be burnt off to protect and encourage growth in the forest. Can you recall in your life to date when these burnings have occurred? And isn’t it interesting—if you are able to gain a measure of perspective—that you would have to admit that your heart has grown richer in resulting compassion, and that the sorrow in time has given way to an almost reluctant joy and desire to share deeply with others a depth of love not experienced previously, that your capacity to listen to another’s grief is evident to you as new growth adding to the richness of your forest’s old growth.
Do you think that perhaps Isaiah is giving you a foretaste of the Lord’s love as transmitted to you in His word? Even if you have never plowed a field—there being none visible in New York City, can’t you experience the sower’s joy when after preparing the field, the rains come and you can almost feel the growth occurring. So it is with one who receives the Word in stillness.
But as you [...]
Share on Facebook continue readingFebruary 28, 2012
Posted on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
Scripture:
The angel of Yahweh encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them. Psalm of David 34:7
Prayer:
May I sense the presence of the Angel of Yahweh encamped in my surroundings.
Response
Isn’t it reassuring that with all the confidence one seeks to cultivate in a lifetime that one is indestructible—and not believing it, the angel of Yahweh is close and rescues you from all danger. He is protecting you in all circumstances, though you might recall instances where such assistance seemed lacking either for you or a loved one. And that realization is what forces you to reflect upon what is the nature of the protection. What does this verse mean?
Clearly, t is not just the body—because you can remember circumstances where such assistance did not prevent a tragic loss to you and a loved one, until you reflect upon the nature of the dangers faced over the course of a life time. Then, ask in prayer precisely from what are you or loved ones being rescued? Doesn’t such a reflection tear you from an inclination to remain stationary in this world with all of the attachments cultivated from the time of childhood to now? Memories of family, friends, loved ones, the possessions, the successes—the setbacks, all of which is stored in the memory capsules that are buried in your mind.
This verse contains a hint to the mystery of eternal life and salvation. At the deepest level, you are being informed that the reason for the deployment of the angel of Yahweh is to protect your immortal soul and of those around you, as these souls are forged and fashioned in the Lord’s will. And this protection defies definition and containment—even now as you sit in the darkness of a very early morning in wonder and thanksgiving.
All for this morning.
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Meditation — February 7, 2012
Posted on Monday, February 27th, 2012
Scripture:
May the words of my mouth always find favor, and the whispering of my heart, in your presence, Yahweh, my rock, my redeemer. Psalm of David 19:14
Prayer:
Day 6—May my prayers be conscious even if they are whispered from my heart.
Response
Recall when you were asked to make some comments either informally with friends or before a gathering of colleagues or associates, a collection that was less than friendly—but hopefully not hostile. Just before you opened your mouth to speak, you could be assured that you would be alert, conscious, your hearing and sight as you scanned the audience seemed to improve so that you didn’t miss a move, the inflection of your voice was exactly as you willed.
Well, prayer requires that same consciousness, and even more, it must be in synch with the murmurings of your heart—so much so that the words are overtaken by the whispering of one’s heart. Consider this moment—still dark outside, quiet in the home except for the cycle of a washing machine. If you were to relocate the whispering of your heart this morning to say a Greek taverna or a pub in Greenwich Village in New York City, you would realize that a much livelier–but less riotous–interaction is taking place in prayer, even though someone entering your home would think that no one had yet stirred.
Try to grasp that the super reality you seek unconsciously in the world is wondrously achieved consciously in prayer. How’s that for a paradox to consider the next time you forgo a trip to the tavernas in your life.
All for this morning.
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Meditation — February 26, 2012
Posted on Sunday, February 26th, 2012
Scripture:
DIRECT me in your ways, Yahweh, and teach me your paths. ENCOURAGE me to walk in your truth and teach me since you are the God who saves me. FOR my hope is in you all day long—such is your generosity. Yahweh. Psalm 25 of David 4-5
Prayer:
Day 5–You would think by now, I would know the path. This morning I am reminded of the opening words of a prayer of Thomas Merton: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. So this morning, after viewing a brilliant sunrise that seemed to transport me into its inferno, make Your path known to me—if only for today.
Response
Well, you have one thing right—if only for today—because that is to be your intention each day, one day at a time. Open your day in the innocent plea of a not so innocent soul who pleads for the Yahweh to DIRECT him—and the caps are there to catch your attention and not for you to slide over those familiar words. And so it is with ENCOURAGE because the word is so often used and so rarely applied to those who seek the same, like you this morning. And FOR indicates, if you had missed it, that recognition that you could miss all day long until you realize that your hope is in the Lord all day long. And please don’t forget or misplace the words such is your generosity, Yahweh.
There you have it—another simple formula. Ask for DIRECTION, ENCOURAGEMENT, and acknowledge the HOPE that that takes one’s breath away as you move forward.
So today, spend a moment or two where ever you are and ask intently—don’t mumble as you would a memorized prayer—for direction and encouragement, and just see how long it takes for a light as brilliant as the sunrise bursting through distant clouds to envelop you.
All for this morning.
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Meditation — February 25, 2012
Posted on Saturday, February 25th, 2012
Scripture:
Then you will cry for help and Yahweh will answer; you will call and he will say, “I am here.” If you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist and malicious words, if you deprive yourself for the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, your light will rise in the darkness, and your darkest hour will be like noon. Isaiah 58:9-10
Prayer:
Day 4—Oh, yes, let my darkest hour be like noon.
Response
The first order of business is to cry out for help especially if there is no one around to hear your call. You can bank on this—like taking the money to the bank—if you listen, you will hear perhaps these very words, “I am here.” No need to look around and wonder if there is someone else in the room or on the walk.
And there is nothing you can possibly say that will not receive the response about a tragic loss, a failed dream or romance, a pending decision, a critical illness of a loved one or one affecting yourself, an agony so difficult to articulate, a plea for the healing of the body, of the nation, or the world. No there is nothing that will not prompt immediately in your heart the words, I am here.
So, here you are on the fourth day of the Lenten season and Isaiah enters your consciousness with a basic lesson in prayer that you thought you had mastered, only to be reminded that prayer is not as complicated as some renowned scholars and theologians sometimes portray it with various formulae. Rather call and He will respond: I am here.
All for this morning.
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