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Dear Meditators 26/04/22
This week we will begin a new series of meditations from Song of Songs, The Passion Translation.
The aim:
- To join with God’s Presence through silent meditation
- To deepen that intention through breath, image, word and to practice ways to allow yourselves to become one with God, ultimately through silence
- To experience through spiritual growth, a response from God’s Presence at an individual heart-felt level.
First a short introduction to the Passion translation, and to the verses that will form our meditation words today, SS 1: 7 – 17.
King Solomon, king of Israel, who reigned between 970 – 931 BC, wrote Song of Songs. The Passion translation aim is to translate meaning, not merely words, from the original text to the receptor language; to express the life-changing message of God’s Word; God’s passion for people and his world.
What to listen for in the chosen meditation words today:
We see the Shulamite or bride’s journey (our journey) begin in this amazing allegory, with Jesus, the Shepherd-King, as the groom. References to ‘we’ are meant as ‘Trinity,’ and table as communion. Myrrh, known as an embalming spice is associated with the suffering love of Jesus, and henna is a homonym that can mean ‘atonement’ or ‘redeeming grace.’
Let’s begin… reflections on Song of Songs…
- 7. The Shulamite: Won’t you tell me lover of my soul, / where do you feed your flock? / Where do you lead your beloved ones / to rest in the heat of the day? / For I wish to be wrapped all around you / as I wander among the flocks of your shepherds. / It is you I long for, with no veil between us!
- 8- 11 The Shepherd-King: Listen, my radiant one – / if you lose sight of me, / just follow my footsteps where I lead my lovers. / Come with your burdens and cares. / Come to the place near the sanctuary of my shepherds. / My dearest one, / let me tell you how I see you – / you are so thrilling to me. / To gaze upon you is like looking / at one of Pharaoh’s finest horses – / a strong, regal steed pulling his regal chariot. / Your tender cheeks are aglow – / your earrings and gem-laden necklaces / set them ablaze. / We will enhance your beauty, / encircling you with our golden reigns of love. / You will be marked with our redeeming grace.
- 12. The Shulamite: As the king surrounded me at his table, / the sweet fragrance of my praise perfume / awakened the night. / A sachet of myrrh is my lover, / like a tied up bundle of myrrh resting over my heart. / He is like a bouquet of henna blossoms – / henna plucked near the vines at the fountain of the Lamb. / I will hold him and never let him part.
Relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your will and intention on following the Shepherd-King’s footsteps bringing your burdens and cares… allowing yourself to be surrounded by the king at his table, holding him with an open heart.
Love and every blessing,
Kathryn
Song of Songs – Passion Translation: Passion and Fire Ministries, USA, 2017.
Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation. You can see it here
Let me know how you are finding this time – If you have any suggestions or requests. I always like to hear from you.
Kathryn