We will be journeying through the sermon on the mount in the Message translation for the next while, and today we look at the way it opens: with the beatitudes.You’ll be invited to imagine yourself walking up a hillside with Jesus as we deepen for prayer, then listening to what he has to say.

Is there one particular word or phrase which speaks to the ways in which you’re growing right now?

Enjoy

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world” – Matt 5, the Message

You’re here to be light.

Today we consider what it looks like to live out of your deepest self, the place within you where there Sprit of the Lord resides and mingles with your own self, where you have the freedom to let your gifts shine in their own unique way.

“Shine!“

Happy New Year my friends!

As the season of Christmas comes to a close, we pray with an imaginitive contemplation on the nativity. This guided meditation which I pointed you to last week was written by Jerry Webber at Only A Sojourner. Jerry has very kindly given me permission to record it for you. I have found it to be rich material for prayer indeed, and I trust that it will be the same for you. Many thanks to Jerry for sharing it with us.

Every blessing!

art: Gerard van Honthorst – Adoration of the Shepherds (1622)

The fourth candle in the advent wreath is known as the angel candle, representing peace. In this meditation we prayerfully listen to Isaiah 11 “a shoot shall come out of the stump of Jesse” followed by an imaginative contemplation of the angels’ proclamation: “Peace to everyone everywhere”

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”

I’m trying something new here today,  an imaginative contemplation, a guided play in our imaginations through the images of  Isaiah 9:2-7, merged with the parallel story of the angels singing glory to the shepherds on the hillside.

This engagement with prayer is different, so open yourself up to the possibility that the Lord may use it to reveal something new to you. If this doesn’t work for you, or doesn’t feel safe for any reason, don’t feel obliged to stay with it.

Quora.com tells us “Noel is another word for Christmas…. The derivation of the word “noel” is from the Latin word “natalis” which means birth, from which which we also get the the related word “natal”. So when the angels sing “Noel” in the carol we think of today, they are proclaiming new birth! and new life. 

Now is the time of preparation.

While the practical preparations can be all-consuming at this time of year (!), today’s meditation offers you 15 minutes to reflect on the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Christ child.

Lighting the second candle on the advent wreath, we mediate on the words of Isaiah 40:3-5, and reflect on the ways that we can make ready our hearts, minds, relationships and communities for the glorious coming which we await.

Dear Friends,

Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for a coming.

During the next few weeks we will base our meditations around the meaning of the candles on the Advent wreath, using passages from Isaiah.

The first candle of the Advent wreath is known as the Prophecy Candle, which represents hope.

We welcome Ceri Durrant’s joyful reading of Isaiah 35 (The Message).

Every blessing as you enter Advent.

Lissy

 

 

This mindful session of Lectio Divina stays with one short verse, “Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest” Matt 11:28.

This meditation is brought to you by David Pettifor, a retired Church of England priest who has long been involved in spirituality work.

In a departure from our typical format, this episode offers you extended time of silence with the Lord, an opportunity for deeper contemplation. I would suggest you light a candle as you pray, to help you remember that the Lord is with you. If it helps, remember that on the other side of your speakers, David and I are sharing this silent space with you, and that you join with hundreds of others around the world as you pray here.

May you find the time and space to drink deeply of the Lord’s rest.

 

 

 

This examen is for those who find themselves in their own particular “valley of the shadow of death,” a meditation on the way that God has been with me today, even in sorrowful time.

As you slow down to pray,  some emotion may come to the surface. If it feels safe to do so, I invite you to be present to the emotions, to take the time to feel them, trusting that the Lord is holding you close, caring for you, ministering to you, offering you this safe space.  If your emotions become more than you can manage on your own, please reach out to a trusted friend, minister or therapist.

We find our faith when we remember to breathe, to be grateful, and become present to the myriad ways in which God is active, loving, gracious, kind, and drawing us on.

The Examen is a tool to lead us on our spiritual way, at all times. May this one help you find peace and light in dark days. <3

Taking a few minutes at the end of the day to reflect on how God has been present always brings me greater peace, understanding, stillness and focus.

Whether you work in the community, online, in an office, a hospital, or at home with your small children, this mindful Examen should help you look back over all of your efforts and encounters, gain perspective, and to prepare for tomorrow with “Thine own dear Presence to cheer and to guide.” 

Enjoy.

PS: The listenership of this podcast grows solely by word-of-mouth. Thank you for sharing it with someone who may find it beneficial.