Lenten meditation

How is Lent going?
We are almost half way through.
This coming Sunday 31 March is called by various names, Laetare, Refreshment Sunday or in the English tradition...Mothering Sunday.
It is a bit of respite from Lenten rigours.

This week I invite you to spend 5-10 minute each day in simple meditation. Here are a couple of ways you can do it.
Pick a time each day (early morning, lunchtime or early evening  all seem to work)
And decide on a place. This can be anywhere. Sit on your bed, in your car, in the garden or find a park bench, perhaps do this on the bus as you go to work, school or where ever..be creative.
The advantage of a particular place is that it means when you get there you have already made a decision you are going to be meditating
Allow about 5-10 minutes (you can always do more if that's how it works out)
Make sure you are comfortable.
Then count your breath
In - 1,2
Out -3,4
In  -5,6
Out- 7, 8
In  -9,10
Out -11, 12
Then do it two or three times
Do that for a few times,
then if you want increase the count up to 4
In - 1,2,3,4
Out -5,6,7,8...and so on

When you have had enough take one deep cleansing breath
Sit for a minute or two, and then go.

This can work whether you do it with religious symbolism (eg, Make the sign of the Cross at the beginning and the end)
or without anything religious

Like everything it's about people

For the week of  11-18 March...but of course also for the whole of Lent and Beyond

While I don't think we should make people into 'projects'

People are the legitimate focus of Christian life.

Well, God, is the principal focus 

and God constantly reminds us 

through Jesus, through the prophets

& through our experience

that our godly encounter is mediated through people.

20 Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters,[a] are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister[b] whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.

       1 John 4:20

I suggest that during Lent you look at the people who God has committed to your care:

they are usually a small group, maybe one or two particularly stand out,

who might I particularly care for this Lent, 

and how?

Some ways (but not all ways) you could consider:

• Can I physically help someone who is in a difficult spot?
• Can I be with someone who seems to be struggling or lonely?
• Who needs my time, a most valued gift in our crazy world?
• Who can I pray for every day?
• Is there a relationship which needs particular work, reconciliation, forgiveness, help or support?

As I say we shouldn't make people into PROJECTS...so this must be kept in the heart, between me and God. Don't patronise anyone by telling them you have made them your special project! (ironically we may well be theirs!)

Lent has begun

For Thursday 7-Monday 10 March 2019 (but can be used any time)

• Take a short time each day to be quiet. Being aware of God's presence say the Lord's Prayer
• Readings for this week can include:

Deuteronomy 26:1-11  • 

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16  • 

 

Romans 10:8b-13  • 

 

Luke 4:1-13

• you could read one or part of the readings in each of the quiet times
• What do you hear Jesus saying to you during this time?
• Can you talk with him about anything that is of concern, and listen to what he says.

Peace be with you.