Galatians 4:19
The inner path to more awareness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in my life can so easily postponed. It takes time, stillness, and patience. For that reason I create a comfortable, happy space that invites me to come. Once my outer world is inviting I try bringing variety and interest to the inner world.
Study- The devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge
Reflect- To think deeply and carefully
Ponder- To consider quietly, carefully, and intently
Visualize-Form a mental picture, imagine
Meditate-quiet the thinking self to allow the presence of the spirit to come
In me, He, the spirit and presence of the Savior, rests under my conscious awareness. I desire a practice that will allow him to form in my heart.
"He is "formed" in us, if we open the door, He will enter. If we seek His counsel, He will counsel us...This prince of Peace waits to give peace of mind, which which may make each of us a channel of peace."
Howard W. Hunter
In many ways all my mindfulness pursuits so far this year have been leading to this pursuit.
I feel excited to invite him every morning and this past week, every evening. This is so much more than the spoken prayers I give, sometimes without making contact at all. Contemplative prayer and meditation is allowing Him to teach me, not about what I need and want, but about what He is and what He wants.
"As adults come to understand the workings of their own mind and then undertake exercises to shape their mind into a tool for their own spiritual development, their divine attributes and powers inevitably develop. These exercises include exploring awareness, consciousness, mindfulness, and meditation. Even though some of these areas may be unfamiliar to many readers, they are entirely resonant with scripture and appropriate for greater spiritual development."
Catherine Thomas
I love that quote: "if we open the door, He will enter. If we seek His counsel, He will counsel us." I love that God is always ready to speak to us and draw close to us, but we do need to make time and space to switch off from everything else and focus on him. I love how you describe the change in focus that results from that- that it is less about our wants and desires and more about his.
ReplyDeleteI believe I may be on the path of surrender. Thinking of your path, as well.
DeleteI love the art work from your last two posts. You inspire me to explore more of the visual arts.
ReplyDeleteThank-you Shari. I am always drawn to visualize concepts and make them come alive.
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