Our theme for this month – A Lenten Reflection on Wilderness, as we take time to explore the theme, we look to meet God in our own unique wilderness…asking Him to interrupt my agenda with his own.
We’ll listen to some words from Isaiah, and a prayer from Henri Nouwen.
Isaiah tells us: Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses…[with] an abundance of flowers…singing and joy…the deserts will become green as the mountains of Lebanon as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plains of Sharon…For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert…
Henri Nouwen prays: ” You have created, redeemed and sustained us – not only because you love each of us, but because you genuinely, passionately care about everyone of your children…you have emptied yourself on my behalf, and suffered for and with me, offering me rest and hope…And now that I find myself in you, I find the same love increasing in me. Walk gently with me into my own suffering and then, help me to be less fearful of the suffering of those around me…so that my wounds in yours can bring your caring to this world, Amen.”
Isaiah 35: Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days…for waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert..
As you begin to relax now in body and mind, to slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer…a final word from Isaiah…
Isaiah 35: For the waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert…And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness…It shall belong to those who walk on the Way;…they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Love and every blessing
Kathryn
Meditation Leader
Henri Nouwen, Mere Spirituality: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Great Britain, 2016.
Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation with Kathryn. You can see it here