Matt Nelson - October 24, 2021
Contemplative Prayer
STREAMS IN THE DESERT Contemplative Prayer 10.24.21 Weekly Liturgy: Good Father, We confess we are burdened, weary, and dry. We have searched for life in the systems of death. We carry weights we were not created to carry. We run further into the desert. We are thirsty. Today, we step into your invitation to rest. We join the flowers and birds who do not worry or toil. We choose to live from your overflowing well of grace. We seek first your kingdom. As we draw near to you, would you draw near to us? As we step out of what is comfortable, will you meet us? Would you meet us in our community? Would you meet us in the spaces created for you? Jesus, wellspring of life, Overflow into our dry and weary souls. Saturate us with your peace and presence, As we plant ourselves by the streams of living water. As we seek to be formed into the image of Jesus, we commit to obedience in these two areas: Finding a discipling relationship and/or community Implementing an intentional plan for spiritual formation Knowing God as Abba Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV) 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Becoming like a child and realizing my helplessness Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. A praying life isn't simply a morning prayer time; it is about slipping into prayer at odd hours of the day, not because we are disciplined but because we are in touch with our own poverty of spirit, realizing that we can't even walk through a mall or our neighborhood without the help of the Spirit of Jesus. – Paul Miller Moving beyond communication to communion Prayer is like love. Words pour at first. Then we are more silent and can communicate in monosyllables. In difficulties a gesture is enough, a word, or nothing at all - love is enough. Thus, the time comes when words are superfluous...The soul converses with God with a single loving glance, although this may often be accompanied by dryness and suffering. - Carlo Carretto How can we possibly expect anyone to find real nurture, comfort and consolation from a prayer life that taxes the mind beyond its limits and adds one more exhausting activity to the many already scheduled ones? – Henri Nouwen First Mansion: You’re starting a new life in Christ and pulling away from the world into a life in Christ New community – baptism – faith instruction Deception from the enemy is great Second Mansion: Discovery that God’s way is the best way The pull of the world is still strong and there is strong spiritual warfare in this mansion God is calling this person deeper into his love/prayer Third Mansion: This person is now living a life of discipleship to Jesus Church attendance – biblical community – service to others – spiritual disciplines are evidences of spiritual growth and maturity Prayer is mostly the believer asking God for certain things or thanking him for his gifts Fourth Mansion: God begins to reveal his presence/love through Our attention shifts more from gifts to the Giver God’s love begins to transform our hearts where we long for intimacy with Christ Fifth Mansion: God calls us into complete union with Him and contemplation/silence become a regular routine of the believer The believer becomes more aware of their wounds, insecurities, and sinfulness and a longing to experience freedom Sixth Mansion: The believer enters into a “falling in love” phase with a desire to live continually in God’s love and presence, continually aware of Him The individual also experiences dark nights of the soul where there are intense seasons of dryness Seventh Mansion: Complete integration of mind, body, and spirit with the life of Christ We learn to live every day and every moment aware of Christ’s activity and presence