Meditations

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:12

Blessed are You, Lord
High King above all kings,
for through Your goodness we have this bread.
You have given us Your peace,
and set a hunger in our hearts.
Restore our strength.
Give new energy to tired limbs,
new thoughts to weary minds

Share the bread

Blessed are You, Lord
High King above all kings,
for through Your goodness we have this wine.
We thank You for Your loving kingness
which has filled our days
And brought us to this time and place.
May the wine restore our souls
giving new vision to dry spirits,
new warmth to cold hearts.

Share the wine.

“Family Shabbat” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 90-91.

Isaiah looks forward to the restorative work of the people of God, only possible through communion with Christ. We are restored in Christ and become agents of restoration.

As I have been resting this week, I have engaged forms of recreation that have left me with severe back pain. It’s both unfortuate and unexpected. But when do we expect suffering? 

This tired body gives thanks, at least for the gift of pain which slows me down to be renewed and restored in ways that can only be attributed to the grace of God (and the love of friends).

That’s what communion with Christ is all about.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

“But in addition to these conversations and discussions, something else was happening. People were finding it hard to shake off what they were living through. They were there while while we were praying for things they later found had been given… They were being given (not by us, but by God’s answers to prayers) a demonstration that God exists…

It was a combination which could never be ‘planned’ or ‘put on’ as an exhibit…it had to be real…a completely new work…would never have been possible if we had not been uprooted completely in every way, and if in that uprooting we had not decided to pray for God’s solution and leading every step of the path as it wound through unknown territory.

We also prayed that if it grew, God would send us the workers of His choice, rather than our trying to advertise or get people to help us…So not to advertise, but simply to pray that God will send those of His choice, and keep other away, is a different way of doing things.

We don’t say everyone ought to work this way, we simply say we feel we were led by God to do this as a demonstration that He is able to bring the people to a place — even a tiny out-of-the-way place…and only to bring the ones He wants to have there for His purposes.”

Edith Schaeffer in “L’Abri” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 73.

God is able to make grace abound to us.

When we demonstrate God’s ability, we bring Him glory. Imagine if every church or ministry had this focus. Edith Schaeffer, the wife of famous author and speaker, Francis Schaeffer, here reports a snippit of the backstory of the retreat center, L’Abri.

What does this testimony stir in you? Do you pray for God’s solution every step of the way at whatever church or ministry you serve?

What struck me was the fact that God’s people will often be led to do things in a countercultural manner and not even realize when or how He has supplied. “Unknown territory” is just that to us, but not to God. He not only knows the territory through which He is guiding us, He invites us to the adventure of depending on grace to navigate it.

So what about you? What purpose has God called you to pursue and how might He be calling you to trust Him to accomplish it in a manner that demonstrates that He is able?

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21

“If I am truly poor, then I am dependent on others for everything, and I feel useless and worthless, and I realize deep within that everything is a gift from the Father. Then in this attitude of complete dependence I become useful again for then I am empty of selfishness and I am free to be God’s instrument instead of my own. In poverty I begin to value everything rightly again. I see how little really matters, and I see that only that which glorifies God is of value.”

Murray Bodo in “Lady Poverty in the Eyes of Juniper, Friend of Francis, Fool of God” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 70-71.

Letting go of earthly wealth is the pathway to perfection. It marks the way to maturity and becoming useful again in the hands of the Father. But this is the opposite of what the world would say as the way to usefulness. So what should we think and do in this regard?

It’s not an easy or insignificant question to ponder. Letting go and obeying Jesus, in the thinking of Bodo, positions us to be God’s instrument instead of our own, for the power behind us is God and not ourselves. There we become useful again.

The paradox is that the alternative to being useful again is to be useless and selfish. Father, help us see that obeying the teachings of Jesus really is for our good and Your glory. Spirit, help us move beyond our fear to faith so that our lives bring You glory. Amen.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126

“Every curse becomes a blessing
to the people of God’s choosing
He who spoke it shall perform it
He shall bring on us the blessing
though the enemy may fight.
My Jesus has done all things right.

In the dry and desert places
Jesus is our souls’ oasis.
He will give us of His plenty,
fill the vessels once so empty,
pour His waters on the ground,
living waters gushing round.

See the land so black and barren;
God will make a watered garden;
fruitfulness where once was parchedness,
light to break into the darkness,
upper springs and nether springs
in the field the Father’s given.

Satan tries, but cannot block it,
Powers of Hell could never stop it.
Darkness flees as light is given.
God establishes His heaven
in our hearts and in this place
shows the radiance of His face.”

“The Field” of The Northumbrian Community in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 59-60.

What do you need from God today? Are you cursed or parched, empty or barren? Those who seek restoration and refreshment find it in the springs the Father gives.

That’s what Spofford (pictured above) does for me. It takes me back to the springs where darkness flees, the powers of Hell are vanquished and and the radiance of Christ shines.

If you are weary, go to such a place today by sitting in Psalm 126. There, you will be restored with living water for refreshment for enjoyment and generous sharing.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

Ita, who died in about 570, was abbess of a women’s community at Killeedy, County of Limerick in Ireland. She ran a school for boys where she taught:

Faith in God
with purity of heart;
simplicity of life
with religion;
generosity
with love

Among those schooled by Ita was Brendan, who honored her as a foster-mother and advisor. The Ita Compline that follows is named after her because of its emphasis on examination of the heart, and the prayers of care and protection for each soul who crosses our path.

“The Sacred Three
to save
to shield
to surround
the hearth
the home
this night
and every night

Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Test me and know my thoughts.

See if there is any wicked way in me
and lead me in the way everlasting.

O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit,
Forgive me my sins,
O only-begotten Son of the heavenly Father
Forgive.
O God who is one,
O God who is true,
O God who is first,
O God who is one substance,
O God only mighty,
in three Persons, truly merciful,
Forgive.

O God of life, this night,
O darken not to me Thy light.

O God of life, this night,
close not Thy gladness to my sight.

Keep Your people, Lord.
in the arms of Your embrace.
Shelter them under Your wings.

Be their light in darkness.
Be their hope in distress.
Be their calm in anxiety.

Be strength in their weakness.
Be their comfort in pain.
Be their song in the night.

In peace will I lie down for it is You, O Lord, You alone who makes me to rest secure.

Be it on Your own beloved arm,
O God of grace, that I in peace shall awake.

Be the peace of the Spirit mine this night.
Be the peace of the Son mine this night.
Be the peace of the Father mine this night.
The peace of all peace be mine this night
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Ita in “The Ita Compline” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 27-29.

This compline (which is a daily office spiritual exercise designed to be practiced at the end of a day), points the way to exhibit, as Ita put it “generosity with love.” This blessed Brendan and touches us today.

How do we have “faith in God with purity of heart?” Where can we locate “simplicity of life with religion?” What paves the way for “generosity with love?” It requires the soul to surrender to the Sacred Three who is the only one who can save, shield, surround, and forgive. There is the only place of light, hope, calm, and peace.

At GTP we have started a new fiscal year. I’ve encouraged the staff to start the year with rest and reflection, to ask God to restore our souls. A way to do this is to say a compline at the end of each day.

As I reflect I see that “faith in God with purity of heart” is, in a word “confession.” It is seeking forgiveness and asking God to bring light. I discern that “simplicity of life with religion” is fasting, which is setting aside my desires and wanting only what God desires. Then, “generosity with love” comes into view as my prayer. Only after receiving richly from God can I give, and give with love.

Make it so, Sacred Three.

In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. Psalm 31:1-5

“Father, I abandon myself into Your hands. Do with me what You will, whatever You do, I will thank You. I am ready for all. I accept all. Let only Your will be done in me, as in all Your creatures, and I will ask nothing else, my Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit; I give it to You with all the love of my heart, for I love You, Lord, and so need to give myself to surrender myself into your hands with a trust beyond all measure, because You are my Father.”

Charles de Foucauld in “Prayer of Abandonment to God” in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 49.

This will be the first of many posts this new book referred to me by long time friend, Gary Oakley, from my Tuesday morning Pinehurst Bible Study group. This prayer seemed fitting to start a week of leave. Spending the week at Camp Spofford outside of Keene, NH.

The giving that comes into view is commending my spirit and giving myself to the Lord because He is trustworthy. As life never seems to go how we expect, rather than straining for control, there is peace in surrender. The rest and restoration I seek this week starts with surrender. Join me.

Father, in Your mercy, hear this prayer of abandonment from me and from my brothers and sisters around the world. Do what You will in and through us we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

“Bless this house and those within.
Bless our giving and receiving.
Bless our words and conversation.
Bless our hands and recreation.
Bless our sowing and our growing.
Bless our coming and our going.
Bless all who enter and depart.
Bless this house, your peace impart.”

John Birch in New Blessings in the Celtic Style.

Jenni and I are flying to Connecticut today to spend a week with dear friends, Mark and Kate Whitsitt, and tonight we will dine with another special couple, Jon and Maria Searles.

It’s summertime in the USA, when we see family and friends. Don’t make your visits just about recreation. Make sure to bless people in a multitude of ways like those mentioned above.

For inspiration I got a new Celtic Prayers book. Look for many posts from it in the coming days whilst I am on leave getting some rest and asking God to restore my soul.

God has blessed you in unfathomable ways. Go and bless others likewise!

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

“The proper aim of giving is to put the recipient in a state where he no longer needs our gift. We feed children in order that they may soon be able to feed themselves; we teach them in order that they may soon not need our teaching. Thus a heavy task is laid upon this Gift-love. It must work towards its own abdication. We must aim at making ourselves superfluous. The hour when we can say “They need me no longer” should be our reward.

But the instinct, simply in its own nature, has no power to fulfil this law. The instinct desires the good of its object, but not simply; only the good it can itself give. A much higher love—a love which desires the good of the object as such, from whatever source that good comes—must step in and help or tame the instinct before it can make the abdication. And of course it often does. But where it does not, the ravenous need to be needed will gratify itself either by keeping its objects needy or by inventing for them imaginary needs. It will do this all the more ruthlessly because it thinks (in one sense truly) that it is a Gift-love and therefore regards itself as “un- selfish.”

C.S. Lewis in The Four Loves (New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1960) 76.

I posted part of this post from The Four Loves last year. The first part about the fact that our giving should make ourselves superfluous. It was brought to my attention yesterday again so I did further reading.

Today I noticed the related idea that what works against this healthy detachment from those we serve is “the ravenous need to be needed” by them. This explains why those who have resources like to retain them. It gives them a sense of power over other people.

God forgive us for the times we have succombed to this. Instead, Father, we come boldly to you for what we need and commit to enjoying and sharing all you richly supply without holding power over others. Hear our prayer in your mercy in the name of Jesus. Amen.

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:8-10

“Does a poor man approach you? Remember how poor you once were, and how rich you were made. One in want of bread or of drink, perhaps another Lazarus, is cast at your gate; respect the Sacramental Table to which you have approached, the Bread of which you have partaken, the Cup in which you have communicated, being consecrated by the Sufferings of Christ.

If a stranger fall at your feet, homeless and a foreigner, welcome in him Him who for your sake was a stranger, and that among His own, and who came to dwell in you by His grace, and who drew you towards the heavenly dwelling place. Be a Zaccheus, who yesterday was a Publican, and is today of liberal soul; offer all to the coming in of Christ, that though small in bodily stature you may show yourself great, nobly contemplating Christ.

A sick or a wounded man lies before you; respect your own health, and the wounds from which Christ delivered you. If you see one naked clothe him, in honour of your own garment of incorruption, which is Christ, for as many as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. If you find a debtor falling at your feet, tear up every document, whether just or unjust.

Remember the ten thousand talents which Christ forgave you, and be not a harsh exactor of a smaller debt—and that from whom? From your fellow servant, you who were forgiven so much more by the Master. Otherwise you will have to give satisfaction to His mercy, which you would not imitate and take as your copy.”

Gregory of Nazianzus in The Oration on Holy Baptism 31, preached at Constantinople 6 January 381.

What I love about the excerpt from Gregory’s sermon is the passion with which he calls us to “Be a Zaccheus” who one day aimed to accumulate for himself and the next day distributed half to the poor and the rest for doing justice.

Scholars note that the function of the language implies that he held nothing back from God. This causes Jesus to celebrate. Think of the debt Christ paid for us and let us go and do likewise. Let’s each “be a Zaccheus” where we are!

I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. Psalm 6:6

“But let us all humble our own souls by almsgiving and forgiving our neighbors their trespasses, by not remembering injuries, nor avenging ourselves. If we continually reflect on our sins, no external circumstances can make us elated: neither riches, nor power, nor authority, nor honor; nay, even should we sit in the imperial chariot itself, we shall sigh bitterly: Since even the blessed David was a King, and yet he said, “Every night I will wash my bed,” (Psalm 6:6): and he was not at all hurt by the purple robe and the diadem: he was not puffed up; for he knew himself to be a man, and inasmuch as his heart had been made contrite, he went mourning.”

John Chrysostom in Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 9.9.

I resonate with John Chrysostom and his counsel to walk the way of humility and generosity by excelling in almsgiving, forgiving, and reflection on my own sin.

When I chose rightly, the Lord often blesses me. Sometimes it takes the form of material blessings. Then, almsgiving frees me from the power over money in my life. Alas, I experience victory.

Then, in real time, it seems like so many people wrong me. It’s so hard but I need to choose to forgive them as God in Christ forgave me, even when I was undeserving. Not as easy a victory to win.

Then in celebrating these victories, I realize I have succumbed to pride. I am so broken. Now I see why King David agonized in solitude and gave thanks for God’s abundant compassion and mercy.

Sound familiar? I am learning that growth in generosity is rooted in grace (almsgiving), shows mercy to the undeserving (forgiveness), and is characterized by humility (reflection).

God help us be people who give, forgive, and humbly reflect like King David.