ALL WELCOME to Join Kathryn Pile Tuesdays 5pm
Dear Meditators 03/05/22
This week we will continue our 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.
- 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 2: 1-5. 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 have seen the Shulamite or bride’s journey (our journey) begin in this amazing allegory, with Jesus, the Shepherd-King, as the groom. This week we see the development in the bride, who now sees herself as the one the groom sings over. ‘Though sin surrounds’…and…’remaining as pure as a lily’ refers to the circle or crown of thorns surrounding Jesus…and the purity of the lily in the temple (like in King Solomon’s temple) of our inner being. Tree as humanity…raison cakes meaning – the fires of passion and love are overwhelming…
Let’s begin… reflections on Song of Songs…
- 1. The Shulamite: I am truly his rose, / the very theme of his song. / I’m overshadowed by his love, / growing in the valley!
- 2- The Shepherd-King: Yes you are my darling companion. / You stand out from all the rest. / For though the curse of sin surrounds you, / still you remain as pure as a lily, / even more than all others.
- 3-5. The Shulamite: My beloved is to me / the most fragrant apple tree – he stands above the sons of men. / Sitting under his grace-shadow, / I blossom in his shade, / enjoying the sweet taste of his pleasant, delicious fruit, / resting with delight where his glory never fades. / Suddenly, he transported me into his house of wine – he looked upon me with his unrelenting love divine. / Revive me with your raison cakes. / Refresh me again with your apples. / Help me and hold me, for I am lovesick! / I am longing for more –
Relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your will and intention on being overshadowed by Jesus’ love…his grace shadow, allow yourself to be revived and refreshed by God’s passionate love.
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