C-19 Reflection #9: Working with What We’ve Got -Mornings

C-19 Reflection #9

Theme: Working with What We’ve Got

Topic: “Mornings”

Scripture: Mark1: 29-34

Reflection: 

Everything, absolutely everything, about Jesus is given to us for our salvation and sanctification, for the rescue and reshaping of our lives; even the reshaping of our daily practices and patterns. It is not just the dramatic events and not just our favorite miracle stories, conversations or teachings that work to form us as Christians. With scripture, every little bit seems to be doing its part and we should take whatever we can get.

Even the bits and pieces that we find in short passages like this one cry out for reflection. Even the seemingly inconsequential description of Jesus’ morning habit of going to a quiet place to pray reveals something of significance, in and of itself, as well as in finely tuned relationship with the pre and post connecting events. We observe here that Jesus’ prayer life was a source of refreshment in the midst of his challenges and opportunities.

So, since many of you have a bit more time on your hands these days, and since you maybe spending more time drinking your coffee or tea, I want to encourage you to linger a bit longer in these “in between”, “along the way” kinds of passages so that you can sweat the details and sense the purposes for which they were designed.

At the very least, we can say about this passage that Jesus’ entire calling, life, teaching and ministry is rooted in his relationship with his Father in heaven. Prayer is a primary example of how he nurtures that relationship.

Below you will see a prayer that is meant to help you take your coffee, tea and prayer as an aid for nurturing your relationship with God. You may want to incorporate this prayer into your daily pattern. 

*Please pass it on to others.

*Please don’t think you have to get up at the crack of dawn for this to be helpful to you.

The ritual of morning coffee

~

Meet me, O Christ,

in this stillness of morning.

Move me, O Spirit,

to quiet my heart.

Mend me, O Father,

from yesterday’s harms.

~

From the discords of yesterday,

resurrect my peace.

From the discouragement of yesterday,

resurrect my hope.

From the weariness of yesterday,

resurrect my strength.

From the doubts of yesterday,

resurrect my faith.

From the wounds of yesterday,

resurrect my love.

~

Let me enter this new day,

aware of my need,

and awake

to your grace,

O Lord.

Amen.