Scripture: Isaiah 50: 4-5
“The Lord … awakens me morning by morning. He awakens my ear to hear as the learned.”
Today’s biblical topic was ‘Discipleship’,and the reading focused on hearing and studying God’s word. Not what I expected, but very poignant nonetheless.
I started my meditation with the mantra ‘Awaken my ears to Your word, Oh Lord.’ My reactions:
1) It's important for me to devote enough time to meditation, especially if my mind wanders or I start to doze. I believe the Lord will open my ears and heart to the meaning of His words if I continue to ask and remain willing.
2) I started to paraphrase some of the ‘words’ from the Bible, and felt them to be more meaningful than the usual rote recital. I put the thoughts of the Lord’s Prayer into my own words, as well as the Hail Mary. I also paraphrased one of my favorite passages from John 15: 9 10: “Lord, abide in me and help me to abide in you. Help me to love others as the Father has loved You, and as You have loved me.”
3) I prayed that the Lord will awaken me each day to the sound of His voice, which will guide me and sustain me throughout the day.
4) During my meditation, I got the sense that I should love everyone I meet as a mother loves her child. I will try to take this approach as much as possible. Perhaps this is one way the Lord is opening my ears to a new interpretation of His commandment to love one another.
About Me
- Michele S.
- In 2007 I took an early retirement to ‘find myself’ and to discern God's plan for me. My journey has led me down many paths, where, among other things, I’ve cared for an ailing relative, volunteered with the needy, subbed in the schools, taught a fitness class, become a freelance resume writer, initiated a small prayer group, and competed in Senior Olympics Dance Sport events. My most rewarding experience has been developing a rich relationship with the Lord by praying daily with the scriptures. Each day I choose a Bible passage based on my mood or on the church calendar. Then I meditate on God’s words, imagining that Jesus is speaking them directly to me. I might repeat a specific word or phrase like a mantra, letting it envelope me and eventually find a place in my heart. I try to hear, feel or sense what God is trying to say to me through the scriptures. Finally, I respond with my own words and impressions, and record them in a prayer journal. From time to time I post these reflections on my blog ‘Seek Ye First’. I feel very blessed that my life is such a lovely balance of work (fun stuff, but little money!), play, family, friends, and most importantly, devotion to God.
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