As we have gathered online each week for listening prayer during this season of COVID-19, we have marveled at how the words of the scripture meditation overlap with words that have become part of our pandemic vocabulary.
This week, the phrase ‘stay here’ shimmered for some. This may or may not be what shimmers for you in the listening to this text today. Yet, you are invited to consider, what helps you stay here, present to your real life in real time? How do you stay present in the face of grief and loss and absence? What blessing do you need from Jesus to empower you to live in the present moment? These are not questions which are easily answered.
My prayer for you this week, is that you will experience Jesus tenderly passing on the blessing he received from his Father to you. May you hear him call you Beloved.
Luke 24:44-53 (MSG)
Then he said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”
45-49 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”
50-51 He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.
52-53 And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Listening with the “ear of your heart”, was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Gently repeat the word or phrase, giving it room to settle deeply in your heart.
Reflect on what you heard. Relish the words. Notice how the word or words affected you. You might choose to journal about what you heard.
Respond to what you heard and reflected on in your prayer with Jesus. Is there a prayer of which rises within you? Does he have more to say to you?
Rest in God as you simply be and entrust yourself to God in the quiet.
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