Shows
Contemplative at HomeJars of Clay: Lectio Divina
A 16-minute guided audio meditation on 2 Corinthians 4:5-11, using Lectio Divina.
This meditation emerged as a reflection on the human capacity for bringing both beauty and pain into the world. While this is true collectively, it is also true on an individual level. We are all capable of bringing forth beauty and harm, and I would imagine that if you took a few moments to reflect, you could several examples of your own action or inaction for each category.
Perhaps this is something of an early meditation for Lent. I hope that you find it...2025-02-2416 min
Contemplative at HomeJars of Clay: Lectio DivinaA 16-minute guided audio meditation on 2 Corinthians 4:5-11, using Lectio Divina. This meditation emerged as a reflection on the human capacity for bringing both beauty and pain into the world. While this is true collectively, it is also true on an individual level. We are all capable of bringing forth beauty and harm, and I would imagine that if you took a few moments to reflect, you could several examples of your own action or inaction for each category. Perhaps this is something of an early meditation for Lent. I hope that you find it...2025-02-2416 minContemplative at HomeFilled with the Unknowable: Lectio Divina: Job 11 and Ephesians 3
A 19-minute guided audio meditation with Job 11:8-9 and Ephesians 3:17-19, using Lectio Divina.
I came to this text hoping to bring you a meditation on the depths of the love of God (Eph 3:18-19), but as I sat with a handful of translations, Greek words and Hebrew references, I was taken more mystically into the presence of God than I had imagined going.
I have knit a few verses together here (Job 11:8-9 and Eph 3:17-19), pulling from various translations and expanded Greek definitions, mixing the words from Ephesians into combinations that spoke most...2025-02-1018 minContemplative at HomeFilled with the Unknowable: Lectio Divina: Job 11 and Ephesians 3A 19-minute guided audio meditation with Job 11:8-9 and Ephesians 3:17-19, using Lectio Divina. I came to this text hoping to bring you a meditation on the depths of the love of God (Eph 3:18-19), but as I sat with a handful of translations, Greek words and Hebrew references, I was taken more mystically into the presence of God than I had imagined going. I have knit a few verses together here (Job 11:8-9 and Eph 3:17-19), pulling from various translations and expanded Greek definitions, mixing words into combinations that spoke most vividly to me...2025-02-1018 minContemplative at HomeEmbodied ExamenA 19-minute guided meditation using gentle physical movement (yoga), breath and the Ignatian Examen. Ignatius of Loyola taught his followers that the one prayer they could never eliminate from their daily practice, is the prayer of review, or the Examen. As Teresa of Avila (who for some time had a Jesuit confessor) said "I've gone on and on, here and elsewhere, about the damage we do to ourselves by failing to cultivate humility and self-awareness. Just remember: it is your most important task." - The Interior Castle, First Dwelling, translation by M Starr ...2025-02-0319 minContemplative at HomeA Moment Aside with the Beloved: 12-minute Guided MeditationThis guided meditation offers you a quiet pause to reconnect with your breath, the Presence of Love, and the question "What is Your will for me for the next few hours?" This might be a little prayer you make at midday, or a few times throughout the day, though there is no incorrect time to pause for this prayer. The meditation has three movements To check in with yourself, feel your breath and your grounded connection in this moment To gaze at God as God Lovingly gazes at you To ask God: what is...2025-01-1311 min
Contemplative at HomeLet the Earth Be Glad: Psalm 96: Lectio DivinaA 22-minute guided meditation with Psalm 96, using Lectio Divina. Psalm 96 is a Psalm of rejoicing, celebrating in the greatness of the Lord. It is a Psalm for Christmas. This guided audio meditation invites you to be aware of your body and your breath as you meditate, allowing the words of the Psalm to wash over you and through you. "Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King! he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity." Let th...2024-12-2322 minContemplative at HomeSteadfast Love : Lamentations 3 : Guided MeditationA 11-minute audio guided meditation with mindful breath awareness. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God's mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning Great is Thy Faithfulness. All blessings as you pause with these profound verses. May they be new to you as you pray. Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality an...2024-09-0911 min
Contemplative at HomeStilling and SilenceA 9-minute meditation, focusing on God's loving presence, with 5 minutes of silence. Dear Friends, As I head away for the summer with my family, I've left a series of simple meditations for you to enjoy during August. This is the first of them. Wherever you find yourself this month, may there be moments for stillness and reflection, and new discoveries in the rest. Blessings Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out o...2023-08-0709 min
Contemplative at HomeZeal for Your HouseA meditation in John's Gospel, Chapter 2, Verses 13-22, using imaginative contemplation. This episode looks at the story of Jesus overthrowing the traders in the temple. I'm not in a position to offer authoritative information on the background of this story, but my understanding is that Jesus' anger here is around the financial barriers that have arisen between the poor and worship. The Torah law and customary religious practice required attending the temple and making sacrifice of particular animals at particular moments in the year, or in a persons life. People would travel to...2023-07-1720 min
Contemplative at HomeTo The BrimA meditation with John 2:1-12 (Water into Wine or the wedding at Cana), using imaginative contemplation. I encourage you to have a quick read of the scripture passage before starting this meditation, if you have time. You can find it in the NRSV here. One line that I don't really offer in the meditation, but is in the text, (and I think quite helpful) is "Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him." (verse 11) I'd love to hear how you found...2023-07-1017 min
Contemplative at HomeA Voice in the WildernessAn audio meditation in John’s Gospel, chapter 1, verses 19-28. The text for today's meditation records a conversation between priests and John the Baptist. John has been baptising at Bethany at the Jordan, and huge numbers of people are coming to respond to his message that "the Kingdom of God is at hand" (Matthew 4). The chief priests send representatives from Jerusalem to ask some questions, to find out what the buzz is all about. They want to know if John is someone they are expecting, based on their reading and interpretation of the scriptures. Is Jo...2023-05-2217 min
Contemplative at HomeGrace Upon GraceA meditation in John’s Gospel, chapter 1, verses 14-17 These words in my old paper Bible have so many little side notes, one word circled in the text with an accordion file of notes on the greek root and its myriad translations spilling into the margins. The unfolding possibilities in the meaning of these words is so rich, so beautiful and compelling that I have taken the liberty of adding them into my reading of the text for you today. My added words, are all based on the notes of (a) a scholar in Seattle wh...2023-05-1519 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina: Genesis 3: The Tree in the Middle of the GardenDear Friends, Lenten greetings. When choosing which passages to work with in these meditations, I tend to lean towards the most positive, hopeful and encouraging bits of the Bible that I can find. In the midst of all that we struggle with, I feel that we primarily need hope and love and peace spoken over us. I also have a wild faith in the power of Love to transform us, and in Christ's beautiful invitation to intimacy and union. Bringing you into this invitation is my primary desire in making these meditations. 2023-03-0619 min
Contemplative at HomePsalm 117: MeditationA gentle practice to rest in God's love, using a combination of lectio divina and centering prayer. Blessings as you pray. Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's monthly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" or join our Facebook group here Support the show by sharing it with a friend, rating it on your preferred p...2023-02-1916 min
Contemplative at HomeLife to the Full: Lectio Divina John 10A meditation with John 10 I have come that you might have life to the full. Blessings as you pray 🙏🏽💙☺️ Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" or join our Facebook group here Support the show by sharing it with a friend, rating it on your pref...2023-02-0615 min
Contemplative at HomeFollow Me - A Guided MeditationIn the spirit of the imaginative contemplation, I invite you into this guided meditation based on Matthew 4:18-20. In imaginative contemplation you are invited to offer your imagination and your perception as tools through which God might speak to you in a new way. May you see Jesus in a slightly new way here. Blessings as you pray. Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing...2023-01-3017 min
Contemplative at HomeAdvent Three: A Child is BornA meditaiton with Isaiah 9 Advent blessings 🙏🏽🕯🕯🕯 Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http://eepurl.com/hkbDFP or join our Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1905953786386080/ For more information please visit www.contemplativeathome.com. All music by Pete Hatch. instagram.com/brother.boost2022-12-1217 min
Contemplative at HomeAdvent One: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (Isaiah 35)We begin the liturgical year now, in Advent, starting with the cries of our hearts out of the profound need within and around us. The need for restoration, for justice, for wholeness, for peace. Isaiah 35, (read here from the Message), points to a time of healing and life, blossoming and singing. It invites us to dare to hope, in the bleakest of places. Come, thou long-expected Jesus Born to set thy people free From our fears and sins release us Let us find our rest in Thee. Advent blessings and much love, Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer...2022-11-2816 min
Contemplative at HomeQuestions Jesus Asked: Why Do You Call Me Lord, Lord (and do not do what I say)?This is a meditation with Luke 6:46-49. I hope that this slow and mindful approach to the story of the houses with and without foundations will open something new and relevant for you today. Wishing you peace like a river. Lissy x PS: I've had a few conversations this week with people who mentioned using these meditations with a small group, so I've added a couple of brief 'if you're in a group' prompts to this recording. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down a...2022-11-2118 min
Contemplative at HomeQuestions Jesus Asked: How Many Loaves do You Have?We continue our series of meditations on questions Jesus asked, this time in the feeding of the 4000 (Matthew 15:32-37). I find this one to be quite rich! Hope you do too, and every blessing as you pray 🙏🏽 Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" or join our Facebook group here Suppor...2022-10-2316 min
Contemplative at HomeQuestions Jesus Asked: Why are you afraid?I'm so pleased to be sharing this meditation in Mark 4 with you today: "Come, let us go across to the other side of the lake" I invite you not to force or expect a particular insight, but to simply open yourself to recieve. May you see Jesus look at you as he asks "Why are you afraid?" Love and blessings Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today...2022-10-1018 min
Contemplative at HomeQuestions Jesus Asked: Why Do You See the Speck?Matthew 7:1-5 Hey Friends-- In this meditation, we meet Jesus as he teaches in the Sermon on the Mount. Here he asks us the question: why do you see the speck in your neighbours eye and do not notice the log in your own eye? Why is it so much easier to notice other people's faults and grievances than our own? This makes me think of Freud's iceberg theory, the proposal that we have many instincts, motivations and drives functioning at a subconcious level within us. May our contemplative...2022-10-0313 min
Contemplative at HomeWho do you say that I am?In this meditation we pray with an encounter between Jesus and his friends, who have journeyed up towards the base of Mount Hermon (in the Golon Heights), to a place where there is an ancient temple to the Greek god Pan. (Matthew 16:13-16). Here he speaks to his friends about his own identity, first asking who are people saying that I am? Whether this is a PR question, or he wants them to ponder this, or he is truly exploring this question for himself, we don't know. But apparently there has been a lot of buzz because several different answers a...2022-09-2617 min
Contemplative at HomeQuestions Jesus Asked: Why do you Worry?**new artwork for Contemplative at Home! You'll see that the podcast is now called MEDITATIONS by Contemplative at Home** This week we consider the lilies of the field as Jesus responds to the anxieties of his friends, inviting them to deeper trust. Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to your life? Blessings as ever, Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing...2022-09-1918 min
Contemplative at HomeFire Meditation: Flame of LoveIn this meditation we visualise God's abundant love glowing within us as an ember, or flame. We allow that love to flow out of us, warming those we love and care for. This meditation was inspired by a suggested exercise in Christine Valters Paintner's book Earth, Air, Fire, Water: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements. O living flame of love O lamps of fire in whose splendors the deep caverns of feeling, once obscure and blind, now give forth, so rarely, so exquisitely,2022-07-2915 min
Contemplative at HomeWind Meditation: Breath PrayerIn the Hebrew Bible the word for Spirit - ruach - is alternately translated as spirit, as breath (or breath of life), and as wind. The ruach hovers over the deep before the creation of the world. The ruach blows back the waters of the great flood. The ruach gives life to the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision. In this meditation we consider how the wind of the Holy Spirit might revive and renew us, before practicing a simple breath prayer. Inhale: Breath of God, Exhale: Breathe on me. ...2022-07-1517 min
Contemplative at HomeEarth Meditation: Earth and the Ground of God's Love"the earth is the Lord's and everything in it" Psalm 24:1 For me summer is always a time to connect more deeply with the natural world, so throughout July we will be praying with the four elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. In this first of our elemental meditations for 2022 we explore Earth with a guided meditation, connecting imaginatively with the deep network of things happening underground, considering the ways in which the Earth and all its bounty enable us to live and thrive, and relating the Earth to the ground of God's love. This meditation includes a reading from Genesis 1...2022-07-0818 min
Contemplative at Homesummer 2022 announcmentsAnnouncments!! Sign up for Living Water retreat here https://forms.gle/LZfqzVAGTcVU8MJ8A Support contemplative at home at ko-fi.com/contemplativeathome Hoping for more centering prayer meditations in August.. and podcast moving to MONDAYS from august as well. Thank you for being here!!! xxx Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "...2022-07-0604 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation Psalm 117A meditation with the two short verses of Psalm 117. Following a stilling, there will be short phrases of the psalm offered with questions and suggestions, and then a 3 minute silence. May you have the grace to meet deeply with the Lord as you pray. Psalm 117 Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow...2022-06-3019 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina: Psalm 100"Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth!" This short and familiar Psalm of praise invites you to engage freely and joyfully in your expressions of gratitude and love for the Lord. May you have the freedom to express yourself loudly, fully and with abandon. Grace and peace as you pray! Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" or join our Facebook group here For more information please visit www.contemplativeathome.com. All music by Pete Hatch.2022-06-2417 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation: Come as a ChildIn this meditation we pray with three short verses in Matthew 19. "Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there." (Matt 19:13-15) May you have the grace-filled encounter with Jesus. PS: It's June! The birdsong is live, outside my window. Conte...2022-06-1714 minContemplative at HomeLord's Prayer MeditationThis meditation gives you the opportunity to take the words of the Lord's Prayer and slow them right down, ruminate on them, marinate in them, and, perhaps, receive something fresh from them. A Lectio Divina with the Lord's Prayer. We pray with both the NIV translation of Matthew 6:9-13 and the New Zealand Anglican Lord's Prayer. What a gem. Blessings as you pray today dear one. Blessings on you. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out...2022-06-1019 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina: Do Not FearThis is a meditation with Isaiah 43:1-7 When you pass through waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze. As always, I wish you every blessing as you pray with this meditation. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing...2022-06-0318 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina - Streams in the DesertI’m still pondering the in-between, transition times of life and today’s Lectio Divina with Isaiah 43:16-21 opens a song of hope and promise in the wilderness. The prophet sings of a God who is moving and living, hovering over the wasteland, drawing and inviting the jackal and the owl and a people captive in Babylon into dance, into relationship, into life. I wonder what the wasteland, the wilderness, has been for you? Perhaps a diagnosis, a bereavement, a breakup. A place where you may have been stranded once, or many times over. Where trus...2022-05-2715 min
Contemplative at HomeBreath Prayer - I wait for the LordThis meditation introduces Breath Prayer, an approach to contemplative prayer that we've not explored on the podcast before. In breath prayer we take a short phrase, in this case "I wait for the Lord" and hold it gently in our minds with the breath - silently saying "I wait" on the inhale and "for the Lord" on the exhale. Waiting on God is of course a strong theme throughout the Old and New Testament, expressed particularly in the Psalms (Psalm 27, 37, 39, 40, 130....), and is also a key component in transitional, liminal time that we've been exploring here...2022-05-2011 min
Contemplative at HomeGuided Meditation: EmmausIn this guided meditation, or imaginative contemplation, you are invited to join Cleopas and Simeon as they walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus, encountering a man on the road who has some remarkable things to say. The meditation is based closely on Luke 24:13-33. Cleopas is named in the text, and Simeon is held by the Franciscan tradition as the second person in the story. It might be that Cleopas was Jesus' uncle, and Simeon may have been his son (a cousin of Jesus). Simeon is thought to have become the second bishop of...2022-05-1319 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation: Jesus Appears to MaryIn this guided meditation, we are with Mary at the tomb, in the early hours of the third day. She has come to anoint the body, but is distressed to find the it absent. We continue our series on the theme of transition, in-between times, liminal spaces. Blogger Dinah Overlien (https://dinahoverlien.com) commented: "I’ve always imagined liminal space to be like a trapeze artist who has let go of one swinging bar and is waiting to grab the one that is coming. Without letting go, there is no way to catch what’s comin...2022-05-0621 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina Where are You Going John 13I invite you to travel in your imagination to the upper room where Judas has just slipped away to a devious meeting with the high priests. These are Jesus' final moments with his closest friends, change is afoot, and everything is turbulent, insecure. We are in Eastertide now, which is so very hopeful, and yet a time of change, disregulation, transition. I've been thinking about transitions this week, and wanted to share a meditation with you on Peter's question: where are you going? After years of inviting his friends to come...2022-04-2916 minContemplative at HomeMeditation - Through the RoofHey Friends -- Another invitation to journey to the room where it happened, in your imagination. This time we pray with the friend lowered through the roof (Luke 5:17-26) and I will say that I nearly skipped this story, but I'm so glad I didn't! This approach made it completely new for me in several ways. I hope the same happens for you, and I hope that praying here nourishes you for the road. Every blessing, dear ones. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to...2022-03-1817 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy 03:03:2022 10In today's meditation we pray with Luke 5:12-16 (NIV & NRSV mix), which tells of an encounter between Jesus and a man suffering with leprosy. This man with leprosy (and Jesus) lived in a culture, which observed a law, which decreed regarding diseases affecting the skin (ie leprosy): Anyone with such a defiling disease must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone...2022-03-1017 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation - The Miraculous CatchThis episode was originally published in February 2021 under the title "Imaginative Contemplation - Fishermen Called as Disciples" and has been slightly edited for re-release today. Join us as we continue our imaginative journey through encounters with Jesus in Luke's gospel. In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus is teaching by the sea when some fishermen, who have been out all night but caught nothing, coming in for breakfast. Every Blessing as you pray. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of...2022-03-0424 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation: Soaking in the Love of GodA 7-minute meditation on the love of God using a smattering of verses from the Psalms and prophets. This one is for moments when you need grounding, centering, comfort or peace. You are loved with an everlasting love. Verses include Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 86:15, Zephaniah 3:17, Psalm 36:7 (various translations). Grace and peace. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's...2022-02-1806 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation Jesus in Capernum 10:02:2022 11In this imaginative contemplation based on Luke 4:31-42, we spend a day with Jesus in Capernum. As always, if at any time during this guided meditation you don't feel safe, do come away from it. Wherever prayer takes you over the next 20 minutes, may you be blessed and enriched... Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http://eepurl.com/hkbDFP...2022-02-1119 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation - Jesus in Nazareth 03:02:2022 12In this imaginative contemplation, we are with Jesus as he preaches in the synagogue in Nazareth. I find these images (and these preview clips) helpful for conjuring the scene in my imagination. I wonder if it would help you to look at them before you go into prayer. We use the prayer of Brother Lawrence in our opening sequence: "Here we are Lord, all devoted to you. Make us according to your heart." This meditation continues our exploration of the question "Who, then, is this?" as we engage with the opening chapters of...2022-02-0421 minContemplative at Homeimaginative contemplation - great cloud of witnessesI mean I never imagined that a guided meditation on the great line of Jesus' ancestors was plausible, but here we are. It has been given to me by spark of inspiration, and I pass it on to you. My sincere apologies for the sure mispronunciations scattered throughout. I hope, however, that you won't be distracted by the names which may sound unusual to English-speaking ears. Instead I invite you to be present in your imagination to each of these souls, and to ponder on the gifts, the legacy, the riches of love, perspective, humour, faith, experience...2022-01-2821 min
Contemplative at Homeimaginative contemplation jesus in the temple 20:01:2022 10Do you know any twelve year old boys? If so you might call to mind their general stage of development, their physicality, their spiritual and intellectual capacity, their general energy. We'll be engaging with a 12 year old Jesus in this meditation. You're invited to join his community in your imagination as they travel to Jerusalem for the passover, and to engage with Jesus and his parents as he makes the decision not to return home with their group, but to stay in the temple to debate with the teachers. This meditation on Luke 2:41-52 continues...2022-01-1425 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation - Simeon and AnnaA meditation to play with the text of Luke 2:22-39 - the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple - using mindfulness, grounding techniques, lectio dvina and imaginative contemplation. My desire is always that you will be offered space to pause, to reconnect with yourself and to be nourshed by an encounter God. This episode was recorded 'on location' in my prayer room... which was delightful for me, but terrible as a recording studio. (!) I've taken out as much echo-y reverb as I can, and send my apologies for what is left over. It's...2022-01-1424 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation for New BeginningsA meditation for the new year, for new beginnings, for a fresh start. Exodus 33:14-15 The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Moses, who now 'sees God face to face', ie is deeply attuned to Divine Presence, is wrestling with God about the way to lead his people out of the wilderness, to the promised land. What does Divine Presence mean for you? How does it come to you? Do you relate t...2022-01-0718 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina - NativityChristmas Greetings, dear ones! This is a meditation with Luke 2:1-21, the account of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, with the manger, no room at the inn, the shepherds and the angels. These words are almost unhelpfully familiar, and I invite you to stay with your breath, to stay in your deep open-hearted self as you listen, that you might hear something new, something fresh, perhaps even something unexpected. (Isn't there so much in this story that is unexpected?) We open with a 4-7-8 breath pattern to help us...2021-12-2418 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina Magnificat DRAFT 16:12:2021 13We continue our meditations in Luke 1, this week looking at Mary's song of praise and thanksgiving: that God has regard for the lowly, the humble. The invitation here is always to come out of your thinking-assessing mind, and into your intuitive-deep-knowing self as you hear the text in this format. I felt moved to literally move my body in response to the text this week, to find a physical expression for each of the phrases of the text. You are very welcome to do the same. Or perhaps you'd rather paint in colour...2021-12-1721 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina - visitationA Lectio Divina meditation with Luke 1:39-45: Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth after the visit from the angel. For more Advent meditations, please visit this page Advent blessings! Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" or join our Facebook group here For more information and show no...2021-12-1016 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina - AnnunciationA Lectio Divina meditation with the Annunciation, Luke 1:26-38. Advent blessings, all. Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. For further Advent mediations visit http://contemplativeathome.com/advent-and-christmas/ Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http://eepurl.com/hkbDFP or join our Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1905953786386080/ For more information...2021-12-0320 min
Contemplative at Homeguided meditation - the feast"You prepare a table before me... my cup overflows" -Psalm 23 In this guided meditation you are invited to imagine the whole of your life spread out before you, as a great feast laid on a table, to call to mind the gifts and nourishment which are poured out for your encouragement and sustenance each day. May it be a blessing to you in this season of feasting and gratitude. And thank you, for your presence and engagement with these meditations and the Contemplative at Home community. You are a gift to me. 2021-11-2616 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina Psalm 136In this meditation we loosely follow our theme of hospitality in its guise of presence: being present with time, attention, love and care. Psalm 139 intersperses "his steadfast love endures forever" into every single line of the song, meditating on the presence of Divine love in and over and through all of life. Every blessing as you pray. Sign up for our Advent Retreat, 27 November 2021 here: https://forms.gle/WhAY3JkSMuUSmT8C6 Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being...2021-11-1916 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina - Genesis 18We continue our exploration of hospitality as we pray a Lectio Divina with Genesis 18:1-14, when Abraham is visited by the three guests who are mysteriously "the LORD." As you listen to the text I invite you to be alert to the generosity and grace which is offered by both parties in this exchange. I wonder what will stir in you as you pray with this foundational text to all the Abrahamic faiths? Grace and peace. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to...2021-11-1218 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation - Prodigal SonIn this imaginative contemplation we focus on the father and the younger son in the parable Jesus tells in Luke 15. (We will think about the older son next week) After two readings of the text, we enter the story ourselves, using our imaginations to open us up to how God may wish to speak to us through this text. For more on imaginative prayer, as suggested by Ignatius of Loyola, keep your eye out for this week's newsletter. Grace and Peace, my friends. And every blessing. Lissy Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative...2021-10-2125 min
Contemplative at HomeEvening ExamenAn evening examen, a mindful audio prayer to help you review your day, and observe where God has been, where God might be leading you. This month I'm thinking about Ignatian Spirituality and wanted to share with you this recording, which is is a fairly traditional Examen practice, and reflects the way I'm engaging with Examen in my own prayer life at present. I hope it is of use to you. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's...2021-10-1510 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina - Luke 14 - The Great BanquetLuke 14:16-23 In this Lectio Divina, we listen to two readings of Jesus' parable about the Great Banquet, which the invited guests don't feel bothered to attend - too busy with their new purchases, new relationships. Perhaps you can get in touch with the care and delight the host put into this great feast, and how great his desire was to share it with others. May there be one nugget of nourishment for you in this meditation, whether that be in the awareness of your breath, a word from the text, or perhaps...2021-10-0718 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation - Luke 13 - Jesus Heals a WomanAn Imaginative Contemplation with Luke 13:10-13 "On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God." While this text goes on to look at the political and religious tension growing between Jesus and the...2021-10-0120 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina Luke 12 Rich FoolLectio Divina with Luke 12:13-21 Thank you for choosing to pray with Contemplative at Home today. As you listen to the text, I invite you to be present, to imagine that you're in the scene, in a crowd of thousands, who have gathered to hear the teacher Yeshua. Perhaps you imagine that you yourself, are so frustrated with a family member that you call out to the rabbi "Tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me!" Or perhaps you imagine that you're you, and somehow you've time-travelled to first century Palestine where you are...2021-09-2419 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina Luke 11 Friend at Midnight 16:09:2021 20 00Thank you for sharing your prayer practice with Contemplative at Home. In this 13 minute meditation you will find: Three and a half minutes of stilling First Reading of Luke 11:5-8 One minute of silence (opening and closing with a bell) Second reading of Luke 11:5-8 Four minutes of silence (opening and closing with a bell) Closing benediction In the silence, you are invited to release yourself into God's presence. You may want to use a word, as in Centering Prayer, or you may want to...2021-09-1713 min
Contemplative at HomeLectio Divina - Luke 10 - The Good SamaritanContemplative at Home returns to Lectio Divina with a slightly different format! In this 17-minute meditation you will find - Four minutes of stilling - Reading of Luke 10:29-37 - One minute of silence (opening and closing with a bell) - Second reading of Luke 10:29-37 - Four minutes of silence (opening and closing with a bell) - Closing benediction In the silence, you are invited to release yourself into God's presence. You may want to use a word, as in Centering Prayer...2021-09-1016 min
Contemplative at HomeCentering Prayer - 20 minute silenceWe conclude our month of Centering Prayer, with a 20 minute session of silence. This audio meditation will settle you into prayer with 3 minutes of stilling, followed by twenty minutes of silence and concluding with one minute of closing prayer. There is a bell at the beginning of the silence, one half way through and three bells to conclude. This is your time and space, to gaze at the face of God, to let God see you just as you are, to share and receive deeply from the heart. We open with a prayer poem called "...2021-08-2724 min
Contemplative at HomeCentering Prayer - 16 Minute SilenceWe continue our month of Centering Prayer, extending our practice to sixteen minutes of silence. This audio meditation will settle you into prayer with 3 minutes of stilling, followed by sixteen minutes of silence and concluding with one minute of closing prayer. The purpose of Centering Prayer is to be fully present with our attention to the Divine Presence. It is guaranteed that your mind will be flying in a thousand different directions, despite your intention to remain present and focussed. Don't despair! This is part of the process. The prayer is in the...2021-08-2020 min
Contemplative at HomeCentering Prayer - 12 Minute SilenceThis is an audio guided centering prayer meditation. We lengthen our time in silent attentiveness to the presence of God to 12 minutes this week. The closing prayer today is the Northumbria Community's version of St Patrick's breastplate. You can find it here: https://www.northumbriacommunity.org/offices/morning-prayer/ (This is a link to their Morning Prayer, and always includes the breastplate. I sometimes pray through all of their morning prayer office before starting Centering Prayer). Grace and Peace friends! Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http...2021-08-1316 min
Contemplative at HomeCentering Prayer - 8 minute silenceThis practice will help you to still into prayer, and then hold eight minutes of silence. In the silence, our intention is to remain attentively present to the Divine Presence. A huge variety of thoughts and sensations will vie for your attention, and when you realise that your focus has drifted away, simply and gently turn yourself back to God by using a sacred word. Contemplative.org says "This is a word or short phrase that helps you to let go of thoughts. It is a reminder of your intention to remain open...2021-08-0612 min
Contemplative at HomeCentering Prayer - 5 minute silenceFor those beginning in Centering Prayer, or short on time, this practice will help you to still into prayer, and then hold five minutes of silence. In the silence, our intention is to remain attentively present to the Divine Presence. A huge variety of thoughts and sensations will vie for your attention, and when you realise that your focus has drifted away, simply and gently turn yourself back to God by using a sacred word. Contemplative.org says "This is a word or short phrase that helps you to let go of thoughts. It is a reminder of your...2021-07-3009 min
Contemplative at HomeMountain Hermitage: A Guided MeditationToday’s meditation is based on a memorable experience our family had in the Spanish Pyrenees a few years ago, walking from the tiny mountain hamlet of Tella, down well-kept trails, to discover a series of ancient stone hermitages, inhabited almost 1000 years ago, and framed by snow capped mountains in the distance. You might want to lie on your back (I like to put my feet on the floor and let my knees fall together) or sit upright for this meditation. This is the final meditation in our "July Travel' series. I hope you've enjoyed th...2021-07-3020 min
Contemplative at HomeStargazing: A Guided MeditationOur July 'travels' continue with this guided meditation, under the night sky. In this guided meditation we will imagine ourselves lying under a clear night sky, taking in the great expanse of the stars near a crackling campfire. You are invited to sit or lie down, to put on headphones or not, to enjoy this on your own or with others. The purpose of this guided meditation is to facilitate a space in which you may encounter God in a new way. We move out of your thinking minds and into our experiential...2021-07-2319 min
Contemplative at HomeRest with God in the Redwoods- Guided MeditationA guided meditation, leading you into a Redwood forest, where you will mindfully rest in God's presence. Towards the end of this meditation you will hear a short reading from Jeremiah 17:7-8 Enjoy this journey into peace! Every blessing Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http://eepurl.com...2021-07-1620 min
Contemplative at HomeGuided Meditation: Meeting God at the OceanIn today's meditation, we take a much needed summer excursion to the beach! This is a guided meditation, where you will travel through your imagination, to meet God in the waves. If at anytime you don't feel safe here, please return to the present. May you meet God anew in this meditation. Verse from Psalm 42:7 Meditation written by Lissy Clarke EVERY BLESSING Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of...2021-07-0924 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation: Two SonsGreetings Friends, Today we continue in our meditations on the teachings of Jesus, sitting for a few minutes with Jesus' story of the two sons who were asked to go out and work in the vineyard. This is a familiar feeling, I must confess, asking my two sons to help (if not in the vineyard), with the dishes, with the laundry, tidying their rooms. One of them literally declared enthusiastically that he wanted to do all the dishes by himself after dinner the other night. And, funnily enough, by about 9:30, he was entirely out of...2021-07-0218 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation: Labourers in the VineyardA meditation with Jesus' parable of labourers in the vineyard. Every blessing as you pray. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http://eepurl.com/hkbDFP For more information and show notes please visit www.contemplativeathome.com or find us on Facebook. All music by Pete Hatch. petehatch.com.2021-06-2520 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation: The Wandering SheepA meditation on Matthew 18:10-14 - the parable of the wandering sheep, and the shepherds joy at finding the one who may have been lost. You're invited to listen, to be attentive, for one word or phrase which catches your attention in this very familiar story. You might also be alert for something which surprises you. Every blessing as you pray. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing...2021-06-1801 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation: The Forgiving ParableToday's meditation is with the parable of the unforgiving servant, in Matthew 18. Grace and Peace as you pray today. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http://eepurl.com/hkbDFP For more information and show notes please visit www.contemplativeathome.com or find us on Facebook. All music by Pete Hatch...2021-06-1119 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation: The TreasureA meditation on two short parables. "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it." - Matthew 13:44-46 There will not be a Contemplative Window newsletter today, see you there next week! Blessings and peace as you find time to st...2021-06-0418 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation: Mustard Seed"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which someone took and planted in a field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." - Matthew 13:31-32 A tiny parable about a tiny thing, which holds within in all kinds of possibility for growth and flourishing and blessing for others. I wonder how you most instinctively express your creativity - drawing, signing, dance, carving, cooking? Or something else? 2021-05-2813 min
Contemplative at HomeCentering PrayerAn introduction to the practice of Centering Prayer. In Centering Prayer we use a word or phrase to help us hold our attention on the presence of God. In this meditation, we share five minutes of silence together as we behold God beholding us. Remember that the prayer is not in the avoidance of distraction, but in the return from distraction. This is dedicated to the students at Warwick University, and indeed everywhere, during exam season. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to...2021-05-2118 min
Contemplative at HomeThe SeedWe continue our series of meditations on the parables of Jesus, today praying with the sower, whose seeds fall on different patches fo earth. (Mark 4:3-9, 14-20) This will likely be very familiar to you, and I hope that you'll have the grace to hear these words with new ears. Every blessing dear ones. May you have many moments to drop into the grace of deep attentiveness this week. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for...2021-05-1420 min
Contemplative at HomeNew WineA meditation with Jesus's teaching in Matthew 9:16-17 "See I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it?" "...be transformed by the renewing of your minds." In Matthew 9:16-17, Jesus uses analogies to illustrate how radically new and fresh his teaching, his message is. Our text today: 16 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wi...2021-05-0718 min
Contemplative at HomeSpeck and LogA meditation on Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus' teaching on judgement and self-awareness. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Jesus invites us to reflect on our perpective, our focus, and our self-awareness. Some questions that rise for me as I meditate on these words: Is my capacity to give love linked to my capacity to receive love? Does judging and criticising inhibit my capacity for generosity and love? Which voices, places, friendships help me to se...2021-04-3020 min
Contemplative at HomeLight of the WorldHello Friends, Today we begin a new series of meditations on the teachings of Jesus. In this episode we pray with Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus says "You are the light of the world." Not "I am the light of the world" but "You are the light of the world" Amazing! I do believe that you, individually and collectively bear a unique, vibrant a powerful light, without which we would all be much poorer. Perhaps this meditation will give you space to consider the ways in which you already bear light to the people and places you...2021-04-2319 min
Contemplative at HomeThe Way of the CrossDear Friends, This is a special edition of Contemplative at Home, offering you a brief imaginative contemplation with each of the 14 stations on "The Way of the Cross". The Way of the Cross a resource inspired by the traditional stations of the cross, but using 14 moments from the gospel accounts. You will also find a bonus 15th station, which is to be used on Easter Sunday, or any time thereafter. You might pray with this all at once, perhaps with a group, but it would also be very appropriate to dip...2021-03-311h 11
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation : Mary Anoints JesusLooking towards the events of Holy Week, we are now with Jesus just outside Jerusalem, in Bethany, at the home of his friends Mary, Martha and their recently risen brother, Lazarus. His mind is very much on the events to come, though a feast is being held in his honour, for the life he has returned to Lazarus. Mary anoints Jesus' feet with pure nard, foreshadowing his death. Our prayer experience is based on John 12:1-8. If you choose to fold this into your practice of prayer this week, thank you. It is...2021-03-2621 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation Jairus DaughterI wonder how you have found our Lenten sessions of imaginative contemplation? If you're still trying to connect with this way of praying, you might find this article from the British Jesuits helpful. They write: "The most frequent method of prayer that Saint Ignatius uses in his Spiritual Exercises is that of imagining ourselves in a Gospel scene, taking up a character, being with Jesus and being aware of what’s going on, and how we are feeling." https://www.pathwaystogod.org/resources/questions-answers/what-imaginative-contemplation In this meditation you are invited to imagine that, like Ja...2021-03-1923 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation Woman HemorrhagingIn this episode, we consider the woman who had been hemorrhaging for twelve years. After a prayerful listen to the account in Luke 8, we imagine ourselves approaching Jesus in the crowd as we hope for our own healing. If you could ask Jesus to heal one thing today, what would it be? Explore this as you pray today. Every blessing on you, dear ones. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today...2021-03-1223 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation Rich Young ManThis imaginative contemplation with Mark 10:17-31 was written by the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, and is shared with you here by their kind permission. https://carmelitesistersocd.com Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http://eepurl.com/hkbDFP For more information and show notes please visit www...2021-03-0523 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation "What are You Looking For?"A mindful stilling followed by imaginative contemplation with John 1:35-59. John the Baptist says to his friends "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" As the friends follow Jesus, he turns around and asks them "What are you looking for?" If at any stage during the imaginative experience you don't feel safe, please promptly move away from it. If you find it difficult to engage with the prayer prompts, use the time to be with the Lord as you wish in that moment. Review Questions: How did you find prayer today? What was significant for...2021-02-2617 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation BartimaeusA mindful stilling exercise followed by an imaginative contemplation. You in the crowd following Jesus when Bartimaeus, blind and begging at the side of the road starts making a lot of noise. Based on Mark 10:46-52. Every blessing as you pray. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today - drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's weekly newsletter "The Contemplative Window" http://eepurl.com...2021-02-1923 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation with Psalm 69Psalm 69 "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold" Psalm 69:1 I'm not sure how your week has been, but the groundhog day effect of lockdown has been wearying in our house. Motivation lagging, malaise taking hold. I'm encouraged by Teresa of Avila to entrust my inner self to communion with the presence of God. As you 'Behold the Lord Beholding you" (St Ignatius) may you be renewed, set free. MUCH LOVE AS ALWAYS 2021-01-2920 min
Contemplative at HomeIsaiah 35 MeditationCome, Thou Long Expected Jesus. An Advent Meditation. "The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy." -Isaiah 35:1-2 The weary world is ready for bursts of bloom, indeed. As we meditation on the expectation, the anticipation of good news, may your hope be restored. Every blessing, friends. Lissy xxx Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer - space to slow down and listen to the truth...2020-12-0419 min
Contemplative at HomeGalatians 5 FruitADVENT and CHRISTMAS RETREAT with Lissy on Zoom begins Deceber 1st 2020.More information here: contemplativeathome.com/advent-retreat. You are warmly welcome. In Galatians 5 Paul contrasts the instincts of the flesh/ego with the fruit of the Spirit. I am invited to consider where my habits are inclined to the instincts of rage, control, greed, envy and where I inhabit the freedom of peace, kindness, joy, and generosity. I invite you to come to prayer with your whole self, open for the truth that may land with you today. Every blessing. Contemplative...2020-11-1322 min
Contemplative at HomeRomans 12 One BodyI offer you here a meditation with Romans 12:3-9, as we continue looking at the apostle Paul through a contemplative lens. Paul opens Romans 12 with the invitation to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, and in these verses (Romans 12:3-9) unpacks what that invitation means -- to identify your gifts and then to use them! And to use them generously, lovingly, both with humility and confidence, understanding that the diversity of gifts each brings is necessary for the collective whole. In the metaphor of the human body, with all members playing different and vital...2020-10-0922 min
Contemplative at HomeRomans 8 You are IN the SpiritDear Friends, Considering St Paul through the mystical lens, in todays meditation we pray with Romans 8:9 and 14-17. "You are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you...for you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear" You might call to mind a particular dynamic, decision or relationship you are navigating at present. We often “fall back into fear” as we respond to life's varied circumstances, showing up in our need for control, power or certainty. This is h...2020-09-1818 min
Contemplative at HomeRomans 5 HopeHappy September Friends! My children started back at school this week, and I have a strong sense of turning the corner to a new season. Life certainly isn't back to "normal" quite yet, and I know many of you in the US are still making the most of distance learning! Yet perhaps you too have that taste of something small and new which promises to grow into more than you can yet imagine. We are starting a new season here at Contemplative at Home, with a series looking at the letters of St Paul. For...2020-09-0419 min
Contemplative at HomeMeditation with Psalm 62“For God alone my soul waits in silence” says David as Psalm 62, “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress.” I was reminded recently that images, such as God as rock, salvation, fortress “act as a vehicle to help us into relationship with the God who is beyond definition, beyond category and beyond image” (Adrian Smith quoting Philip Endean in Joining Jesus on His Journey). I wonder how your own images of God are currently growing, expanding, leading you more deeply into the heart of Divine Love? Similarly, I’d like to note here that at t...2020-07-0318 min
Contemplative at HomeGod of Comfort and of Daring - a hymn for meditationDear Friends, After last week's episode with Colossians 3:12-17, Tina, who has been offering us Poems for Prayer, sent me a hymn she had written in response to the passage. I found the words of her hymn so very helpful in my devotion this week that, with her permission, I want to share them with you here. I can't thank Tina enough for her faith, her love, her creativity and her generosity. Reading the hymn aloud wasn't really working so I took the slightly ridiculous decision to sing it. My voice is neither...2020-04-0317 min
Contemplative at HomeClothe Yourselves with Love - a meditationHello Friends! Being in a confined space, with the same mix of people, day after day amplifies all the dynamics, and I thought that these verses might be particularly helpful this week! Colossians 3:12-17 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe your (deepest) self with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything beautifully together…Let the peace of Christ rule in y...2020-03-2713 min
Contemplative at HomeImaginative Contemplation with Nicodemus - bringing questions to the LordInspired by Nicodemus, today we imagine ourselves seeking out the Lord, in order to bring him our thoughts and our questions. Today’s meditation is a bit different, and you may prefer to use the text than to use the audio, so I offer a version of the script to you here. John 3 (NRSV) Nicodemus Visits Jesus Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that...2020-03-0619 min