A meditation for the new year, for new beginnings, for a fresh start.

Exodus 33:14-15The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

Moses now ‘sees God face to face’, ie is deeply attuned to Divine Presence. In this Presence, Moses wrestles with God about how to lead the people out of the wilderness, to the promised land. In this moment, we find today’s verses.

What does Divine Presence mean for you? How does it come to you? Do you relate to the very Presence of God?

And how and where do you echo Moses’ instinctual prayer: “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” ?

This meditation offers you space to think about the incoming year, to ponder the weeks and months ahead, to consider key relationships, commitments and daily patterns in light of this exchange: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here”

I don’t mean for this to be prescriptive. May you find the resonances in your own heart, and follow.

Grace and peace as always dear ones.

Lissy

This verse is out of today’s daily office at the Northumbria Community.

Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer – space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God’s love for you today – drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina.

Sign up for Lissy’s weekly newsletter “The Contemplative Window” or join our Facebook group here.

All music by Pete Hatch.