Category: meditation

People of the way


Cracks in the road, Edinburgh (Photo: Irene Bom)

 
In the upper room, just hours before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said:

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.’

Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’

Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.’

John 14:1-7

I wonder

Is that why the early Christians were known as “People of the Way”?
(see Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22)

Saul of Tarsus – a radical young Rabbi – played an active part in persecuting followers of the Way until Jesus appeared to him on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-18) and he had a change of heart and became a follower of the Way too. Through his missionary journeys and letters he touched many lives and communities and the movement spread, even to this day.

Digging deeper

Read Acts 16:16-40 about Paul and Silas’ night in a Philippian jail. Imagine you are one of the other prisoners. What can you tell about “People of the Way” from what you witness that night? What is your response?

Also check out this helpful study outline on “People of the Way”.

Prayer

inspired by Mark 14:12-15

Lord,
to those of us who sometimes find
your ways of doing things
and choice of messengers
puzzling and
perplexing;

may that unnamed water-carrier,
who led those first disciples to
the upper room,
alert us to the many
little-known people
who cross our paths,
and who,
if followed,
lead us through
unexpected
doors
of welcome and hospitality
to extraordinary
revelations
of your grace.

from A Procession of Prayers: Meditations and Prayers from Around the World by John Carden, p. 165

To Emmaus and back

For the full story, read Luke 24:13-49.

Here is a summary, with some prayer prompts.

Two of Jesus’ disciples are headed for Emmaus, about 2 hours walking distance from Jerusalem. As they walk down this familiar stretch of road their conversation is coloured by a flood of mixed emotions. On the one hand they are reeling from the traumatic events in Jerusalem when their beloved Lord and Master was arrested and killed, and on the other hand there’s the startling testimony of some of their female friends who claim they saw “a vision of angels, who said Jesus was alive” (Luke 24:23).

Pray for vital relationships in your life to share the highs and lows with.

Soon they too would have a startling testimony to share, thanks to a roadside encounter with the risen Lord, who gently but firmly puts them in the picture: “‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25-27)

Pray for time and motivation to study the Scriptures, to get God’s perspective and to make it your own.

At this point, the disciples are completely unaware they are in conversation with Jesus, but their hearts are warmed by his words, and they invite him to stay the night, hungry for more. Later, at table, in the breaking of the bread, they realize they have been in the presence of Jesus, risen from the dead. They can’t wait to tell the others, and head straight back to Jerusalem, where there is a further treat in store for them: They get to see the Risen Lord again when he appears to the whole assembly.

Pray that your personal encounters with Jesus will be a blessing to the wider community.

Did you know?

The hymn, Abide with me, alludes to Luke 24:29: “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.”

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

by Henry Francis Lyte

Emmaus Blessing

Already a blessing
in the walking

already a blessing
on the road

already a blessing
drawing near

already a blessing
in the listening

already a blessing
in the burning hearts

already a blessing
in the almost evening

already a blessing
in the staying

already a blessing
at the table

already a blessing
in the bread

already a blessing
in the breaking

already a blessing
finally known

already a blessing
give us eyes

already a blessing
let us see.

—Jan Richardson
from paintedprayerbook.com

See also walk, run, soar, especially the Millican’s Meaningful Journeys video (walk).

Body of water

mary and elizabeth, jesus and johnJesus meets John
for the first time

based on
a Christmas card
I made years ago

In the womb

We start out life in the relatively safe confines of our mother’s womb, cushioned by a body of water, until the waters break and it’s time to show our face and let our voice be heard.

When my mother was 8 months pregnant with me, her appendix burst. My father, a recent immigrant to South Africa without any family nearby to provide support, faced the prospect of losing both his wife and unborn child. The medical team opted to leave me in place. I imagine the nuns at St Joseph’s Maternity Hospital, who knew my mother as a nurse and former colleague and now as a prospective mother and patient, prayed us through the crisis. I was born full term a month later.

Herb Lubalin's logo for a magazine that never saw the light of day,
Mother and child (1966) by Herb Lubalin

Fearfully and wonderfully made

Many times I come back to these words from Psalm 139 – a truth beyond comprehension, revealed to affirm us in the body and in the faith:

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16 (NIVUK)

In the body

The phrase “body of water” is also a reference to the role water plays in the human body. For more details, check out this educational video, “What would happen if you didn’t drink water?” by Mia Nacamulli:

Prayer

“Lord, you have given me so much; I ask for one more thing – a grateful heart.”

after George Herbert (1593-1633)

This post is one a number on the theme of water, theme of the month for July 2017.

Mightier than the crashing waves

Ocean north of Belfast, en route to Giant's Causeway
North of Belfast, en route to the Giant’s Causeway (photo: Irene Bom)

Theme: Water.

Here is a psalm featuring the majesty of the ocean waves, reminding us that their power is nothing compared with the power that God has to sustain all life and to bring about change.

The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
   the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
   indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
   you are from all eternity.

The seas have lifted up, Lord,
   the seas have lifted up their voice;
   the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
   mightier than the breakers of the sea –
   the Lord on high is mighty.

(Psalm 93:1-4, NIVUK)

Song

About 10 years ago I was inspired by the words of Psalm 93 to write this song. I particularly enjoy the sensation of singing the words “crashing waves” and “pound as they sound”.

Recording

Lyrics
So strong, so majestic
The Lord reigns supreme
Ever constant, ever firm
His throne is everlasting.
Mightier than the crashing waves
He is worthy of all praise.

The floods lift up their voice
Hear the waves pound
as they sound out their praise.
The floods lift up their voice
Let us join the refrain:
‘Lord, you reign!’

For notation see website

More food for thought

A. From the “Born Optimistic” Podcast featuring Irish Singer, Wallis Bird (transcript taken from around 06:40 of the recording):

Interviewer: On the days when you find it hard to be positive, how do you cheer yourself up?
Wallis Bird: A little bit of sweating. There’s a lovely phrase: “Salt water is the cure of everything: sweat, the sea or tears.”
 

B. Water sounds by Bernie Krause

From parched to satisfied

my God, I thirst ... satiisfaction

Mid-June our ladies Bible Group group reflected on PSALM 63, with its rich imagery and strong verbs. I was moved by David’s ability to use his physical circumstances (in the Desert of Judah) to inform his poetry. The theme of dry and parched established in the beginning (v.1) finds a resolution in v. 5 where the psalmist speaks of (true) satisfaction. Note that the act of praising God is an important catalyst. It is our connection with our loving, powerful, generous God that gets us through.

Psalm 63

A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

1 You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.

9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Follow up #1

Some weeks later we used the words of Psalm 63 (arranged in alphabetical order) in a writing exercise.

This is what I wrote:

Remember being dry
Remember being satisfied
Those who cling to God
find the power to praise him
   even when parched
   even in the depths

by Irene Bom

Follow up #2

Since last week I have been chalking the word “remember” in different parts of the city of Rotterdam and have inspired and equipped others to do the same in their neighbourhoods.

Further reading
Also on the theme of water (theme of the month): The wells of salvation and Quiet near a little stream

The wells of salvation

Living waterIsaiah 12:3 (NIVUK) reads:

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

“wells of salvation” – plural

 
Many years ago I took time to meditate on this verse. I imagined that some wells have well-trodden paths leading to them and may bring us in direct contact with others as we wait in line for our turn. Other wells will be more exceptional – wells we stumbled upon by ourselves, or that someone else recommended to us. A Bible verse, a book, a role model, awe-inspiring natural beauty, a daring step of faith, a daily practice.

What well of salvation do you need to draw on today to quench your thirst for more of God in your life?
 

A prayer

Trusting in your goodness
and great mercy, Lord, I come:
sick – I come to my Saviour;
hungry and thirsty – to the well of Life;
needy – to the King of heaven.

 
Thomas á Kempis (1380-1471)
from Lord, Teach us to Pray by Nicholas Hutchinson, 1999, p. 36
 

Digging deeper

Two Biblical encounters that took place at a well
– Genesis 24: Eliezer meets Rebekah, future wife of Isaac
– John 4: Jesus in conversation with the Samaritan woman

Further reading
– In the school of prayer with Eddie Askew
– A well blessed woman from paintedprayerbook.com

Song
Youtube video of the 2010 Summer School of Truth in Hualien singing “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water” with gusto.
 

The Gift ||| My favourite photograph

I had a lot of fun and some headaches selecting photographs to complement the readings and reflections in “The Gift” series.

Do you have a favourite photograph?

My favourite is #10 (In us). I was visiting a friend near Muizenberg, Cape Town at the time. I was a little early, so I found a shady place a few streets away to park the car. I spent about 30 minutes watching this man at work – pruning the tree from within.

"The Gift" series - photographs

The Gift #12 : Recreator

Pentecost banner and stole handmade by Linda Walker
Linda Walker’s Pentecost Banner and Stole (photos: Linda Walker)
 

The Gift booklet
12-part series of readings and
prayer poems on the Holy Spirit

 

Titus 3:3-8 (NIV)
Paul writes: ‘At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.’

 

Reflection

Generous God,
this is a trustworthy saying:
Once I was foolish,
disobedient,
deceived, enslaved.

Then kindness,
love and mercy
came my way
and I was
saved, washed,
reborn, renewed,
justified, accepted,
and soaked in hope.

You make
all the difference.
May my gratitude and trust
in you
grow and show itself
in deep-rooted, practical
devotion.
Amen

by Irene Bom

Related Scriptures

Romans 5:1-5

The Gift #11 : Promised

Quayside, Rotterdam - Snoopy-looking mooring bollard, including scarf
Quayside, Rotterdam (photo: Irene Bom)
 

The Gift booklet
12-part series of readings and
prayer poems on the Holy Spirit

 

Eph 1:13-14 (NIV)
Paul writes, ‘And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.’

 

Reflection

Holy Spirit of promise,
the pledge and foretaste
of all to come,
I’ve been marked in Jesus,
sealed by you as a sign that
I am God’s possession now,
destined for great things,
to the praise of God’s glory.

This is just the beginning.
Help me to live in that reality.
Amen.

by Irene Bom

Related Scriptures

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
 

The Gift #10 : In us

The pruner in the pruned
‘Pruner in the Pruned’ (photo: Irene Bom)
 

The Gift booklet
12-part series of readings and
prayer poems on the Holy Spirit

 

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NIV)
Paul writes, ‘What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.’

 

Reflection

Spirit who lives in me,
help me guard the good deposit treasure
entrusted to me.
Help me keep going strong.

I am a potential joy and crown
to those invested in me,
if I keep the faith
and pass it on.

I can’t do it without you.

by Irene Bom

Related Scriptures

Philippians 4:1
1 Corinthians 16:13
2 Timothy 1:12

All related Scriptures (in one go)