The Lord is Near

Dear friend ... Breathe deeply and take a few moments to center yourself on the God of Peace who is always with you.  Let all of your distractions float away ...

As you breathe, say a breath prayer 

     Inhale:  Spirit of Christ  ...
     Exhale:  fill me with peace  ...
repeat until you feel the time to move from prayer into sacred reading, and then ...
     Pray:  as I read your holy words

Read the passage slowly and open your heart and mind as you read...

Philippians 4:1-9     Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.  I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.  Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.   Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Read the passage again slowly and Reflect.  What word or phrase seems to speak to you?   Repeat that word or phrase.  Ponder and refine the Word emerging within you.  Where does this Word interact with your world right now?    How does this Word shine light on your current circumstances and the way you are living?   How do you feel about this Word?    Welcome your feelings ... whatever they may be and simply let them be without judging them.   

Read the passage again slowly and Respond.   Talk to God about what you are feeling and experiencing through your pondering on this passage?   What do you want to say to God about this Word from your time of reflection?    What part of your life or your self do you want to offer to God?  Take a moment to journal your feelings and your thoughts in a stream of consciousness ... simply let the words pour upon the page.

Read the passage again and Rest.    Allow your mind to come to a gentle place of peace.  Let the peace that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and your mind …

When you sense the time to move on, Pray ... 

God of Peace, still my heart and my mind as I rest in you.  Amen.

 Cindy's Journal Reflection ...

The Lord is near

The Lord is near

The Lord is near ...

As the sun sets

the cool breeze 

brings rest

I feel

your gentle Presence

sitting beside me 

and Peace fills my heart ...