Life on this side of the threshold isn't always easy. In fact, it can be downright difficult. We can find ourselves besieged with concerns, worries, anxieties, and fear. Lethargy and resignation are also unwelcomed guests among the crowd of emotions that can congregate inside our souls.
All too often, we join every Psalmist that ever cried out; "O God, where are you?" In the space before the threshold, we wonder not only about God's whereabouts but also when will God act decisively on our behalf.
These questions can be on the macro level. Where are you, O God, in a world that is full of division and lies? Where are you, O God, as evil forces that perpetuate hatred, fear, and disinformation seem to have gained traction? Where are you, O God, in the injustices, oppression, racism, bigotry, and violence?
Shifting closer to home, we also ask; where are you, O God? Where are you, O God, in the midst of my hurts and dis-ease? Where are you, O God, when good people, who are close to me, struggle, suffer, and die? Where are you, O God, in the unfairness of conditions that restrain and limit life?
In the space and time before the threshold, we yearn for wholeness or what my Jewish brothers/sisters have for centuries called shalom. Life put back together. Life restored. A life that God transforms and creates anew. With Advent hope, we look for the passageway that will lead to something else. With Advent hope, we pray that God will be about the work of renewal in our world and our life. With Advent hope, we approach the threshold with as much bravery as we can muster.
Silent Prayer
Throughout the season of Advent, we will build up our capacity for silent prayer. Instead of words, we focus on breathing and clearing our mind in silent prayer. With an open heart, we make ourselves available to listen to God. Each day, we will add more time for our centering prayer. As the world around us gets crazier and more hurried – we sit in silence and push busy thoughts aside.
Find a comfortable place to sit. Set your phone or watch for two minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. As thoughts come to your mind – push them aside. Now is not the time. Trust in God to hold your life without needing to control it with our thoughts or actions. At the end of your time – say a simple “thank you” or “Amen.” Tomorrow, we will build on this spiritual practice by adding more time. Consider the time spent in silent prayer as an Advent gift – an opportunity to enter into God’s shalom/peace.
Today’s Silent Prayer Goal – TWO minutes
Scripture:
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore
Thank you for reading the second blog of this Advent series. If it was meaningful to you, please feel free to like it below or share it with your friends. You may also leave a comment. Blessings on the journey as we head through this season of Advent together. In Christ, Walt.