This morning during centering some thoughts along the lines of defining boundaries drifted in. To enter into life we each are to nurture, respect and engage our unique individuality. At the same time we are to nurture, respect and engage others. The author, C.S. Lewis, wrote mainly to express foundational truths for Jesus followers but he specifically added that after the grand entry room of faith there were many smaller rooms. Those smaller rooms include Roman Catholics, Orthodox (various varieties), Presbyterians, Methodists, etc. Each of us then needs to find a smaller room that uniquely fits us and live into that area.
While there are important either/or areas of life, this may be a both/and. Somehow, at the same time each of us is unique, is part of larger groups, part of all of humanity and to some extent part of all creation. The example of breathing may be helpful. Working from the largest commonality - all of creation breathes the same atmosphere – plants, animals, humans. Within that framework all humans share the common function of breathing. Then there is the uniqueness of Jesus followers who recognize pneuma (breathe) as the Holy Spirit, one of the Trinitarian aspects of God. Then within that there are those who pay more attention to the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as Charismatics or Pentecostals.
As I continue to reflect on these three frameworks of humanity, I find that instead of initially arguing with someone’s perspective I can first of all clarify for myself which level of commonality they are engaging at that moment (Humanity, Jesus follower, theological uniqueness within the Jesus followers). I can then respond to the person with that in mind and not be as concerned about making sure they have all their jots and tittles correct. This frees me to engage with others where they are and to pursue my own unique calling within the scope and sphere of all of humanity.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Relationship of silent prayer and suffering?
Relationship of silent prayer and suffering?
A question has continually come up in my reflections: Is major life change only precipitated by suffering or trauma? Is there another way?
For several years the followers of Jesus who stand out to me – both contemporary and those that walked the earth in the past – had major life traumas which led to a deeper walk with God. My personal major life transitions where I turned to God were precipitated by times where my framing story was shattered and I had to re-construct a new paradigm of what life is all about. Is suffering the only way to experience the depths of despair which interrupts my view of life long enough for God, who has been pursuing me all along, to catch up with me?
Over the last year I have begun sensing that there might be a different way towards a deep relationship with God. Could silent, listening prayer create some space in my busy thoughts and life for God’s Spirit to begin working in the interior of my life? While it would not be as dramatic as a physical injury, divorce or financial crisis, the gradual change might be as effective in making me more like Jesus.
There is always the danger that I am looking for an alternative to the cross. If Jesus could have found another way besides the cross to break the barriers that separate us from God he would have done so. Yet, even in the quiet of silent prayer there is, in some sense, a dying to self to allow the Holy Spirit to work in my deepest being. There is the choice to sit and “do” nothing, to set aside my agenda, to listen for what God wants to say and not what I want Him to say. In all of these there is a setting aside (dying) of self and opening to God.
Further Thoughts
Perhaps transformation comes, not from strength, but from vulnerability. The tragedy that shatters our life’s framing story leaves us highly vulnerable. In that space so many find God. In much the same way the practices of silence, solitude and listening prayer remove the thoughts and ideas that we use to create structure in our lives. Once these are removed we step into that place of vulnerability where God’s grace is invited to work in the depths of our being.
What’s your understanding and experience of suffering vs silence?
A question has continually come up in my reflections: Is major life change only precipitated by suffering or trauma? Is there another way?
For several years the followers of Jesus who stand out to me – both contemporary and those that walked the earth in the past – had major life traumas which led to a deeper walk with God. My personal major life transitions where I turned to God were precipitated by times where my framing story was shattered and I had to re-construct a new paradigm of what life is all about. Is suffering the only way to experience the depths of despair which interrupts my view of life long enough for God, who has been pursuing me all along, to catch up with me?
Over the last year I have begun sensing that there might be a different way towards a deep relationship with God. Could silent, listening prayer create some space in my busy thoughts and life for God’s Spirit to begin working in the interior of my life? While it would not be as dramatic as a physical injury, divorce or financial crisis, the gradual change might be as effective in making me more like Jesus.
There is always the danger that I am looking for an alternative to the cross. If Jesus could have found another way besides the cross to break the barriers that separate us from God he would have done so. Yet, even in the quiet of silent prayer there is, in some sense, a dying to self to allow the Holy Spirit to work in my deepest being. There is the choice to sit and “do” nothing, to set aside my agenda, to listen for what God wants to say and not what I want Him to say. In all of these there is a setting aside (dying) of self and opening to God.
Further Thoughts
Perhaps transformation comes, not from strength, but from vulnerability. The tragedy that shatters our life’s framing story leaves us highly vulnerable. In that space so many find God. In much the same way the practices of silence, solitude and listening prayer remove the thoughts and ideas that we use to create structure in our lives. Once these are removed we step into that place of vulnerability where God’s grace is invited to work in the depths of our being.
What’s your understanding and experience of suffering vs silence?
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