The Time Between
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Our journey to the cross with Jesus happens to coincide with Holy Week which begins on Monday. Today we’ll wait and watch along with the two Marys, and next week we’ll reflect our journey each day of Holy Week and then pick up Matthew’s narrative of the resurrection on the first Monday of Easter.
Before you begin today, take a few moments to center yourself in the presence of Jesus. Begin by noticing your breathing and receiving each breath as a gift from God.
Now breathe in the name of Jesus and breathe out a one or two-word prayer. You could pray the prayer of the blind beggar if you wish, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.”
When you feel still and centered, consider the progression of events in the passion of Jesus from his apparent failure to achieve his earthly mission to his burial.
Where are you in your current circumstances? Are you experiencing the death of a dream or expectation? Or are you in a time of waiting? Speak honestly with Jesus about this.
Return to silence and listen to Jesus. If thoughts intrude, notice them, name them, and then let them pass.
What do your intrusive thoughts indicate about your current state of mind and heart? Talk openly with Jesus sharing your thoughts and feelings.
Take a moment to contemplate these words of Jesus to his disciples just after Peter’s declaration of his Messianic identity:
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” – Matthew 16: 24-26
Return to silence once more breathing in the name of Jesus and breathing out a short prayer that expresses what you want to say right now.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
