I invite you to sit for a moment and breathe deeply of God's transformational power. How willing are you to change ... or to "be" changed? Take a few moments to center yourself on God, the Source of inner movement and holy transformation. Change is hard. In the spiritual life, we often talk of "birthing" when we are in the midst of God's holy fire of change. Know that God loves you and will keep you safe when you are moving through the fiery chamber of transformational power.
Settle into a place of openness within yourself with a simple breath prayer. Use this one or create your own (six to eight syllables)
Breathe in ... God of Change (pause)
Breath out ... I welcome you (pause)
and when you are ready to move deeper into the text ... Pray:
God of Change, I open my heart to you. As I read your holy word, reveal yourself to me and help me recognize you when you are calling me to grow closer to you and to who I am meant to be. Amen.
Read Mark 9:2-9 slowly, allowing the text to unfold in your mind. Visualize the scene as if it were taking place before your eyes ...
Mark 9:2-9 (NEW! Common English Bible CEB)
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Human One had risen from the dead.
Read the passage again slowly and Reflect on just a word or phrase that draws your attention. Sit with your word or phrase and listen to the small, still voice of God calling you to transformation ... Listen to Jesus! How does this word or phrase touch your emotions? Take your emotions deep into silent prayer and let your fear, awe, anxiety, wonder, and any other feelings you have rise up within you, even emotions that don't seem "appropriate," especially those emotions for they all come to teach you and tell you who you are. Know that God is with you and will always sit with you in your deepest emotions, even when you say crazy things or do silly things. Sit here with God as long as you like, soak in the love.
Read the passage again slowly and Respond. Jesus tells the disciples not to talk about what has happened on the mountain ... but you are free to talk to God about what is happening within and around you. As you once again turn your attention to your word or phrase, it's really fine if it is a different one on this reading ... where are you finding the transforming power of God calling you to change or to be still or to listen ... ? What would you like to say to God about what you are sensing about the changes that are needed.?
Read the passage again and Rest. Allow the presence of God to surround you and transform you from moment to moment. Rest until all words have faded away and you are at rest with the peace of God cradling you in Presence ... Take time to journal your meditations! Take time to draw or create this transformation ...
When you sense it is time to move out of your meditation ... Pray:
God of fiery transformation and gentle change, I want to be on the mountain with you. I want to see your face and live. I want to follow you and share you with others. Lead me and guide me with loving kindness. Amen.
Cindy's Journal Reflection ... a voice spoke ... a voice, spoke ... O God how I long to hear your voice. I hear it gentle, I hear it loving ... and are you angry instead ... listen you say, and I say speak, let me hear your voice ... I want to listen to the words you say to me ... I want to hear your voice rising from the ashes of despair to bring life and healing to the world ...
To experience this text as an Audio Lectio which is a guided meditation using the structure of Lectio Divina, take this Link: Transfiguration Sunday. This Audio Lectio was produced by Alive Now, an offering by Upper Room Ministries. You can search both websites for more of these lovely meditations and other tools for spiritual nourishment. Blessings!
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