BEGIN
Welcome to the Desert Files meditation for
the sixth week in Lent.
Sit comfortably in front of your computer, in
a place where you won't be distracted or
interrupted.
Take the meditation as quickly or slowly as
you like, pressing the "MOVE ON" button to go
to the next page.
RELEASE
As you breathe slowly, work your way through
your body from head to foot, tensing the
different muscles for a time, and then relaxing
them.
Remember to include your facial muscles, and
try not to re-clench the upper body muscles as
you proceed downwards.
ATTEND
Close your eyes, and imagine just above your
head, a ball of white light. Gradually,
visualise that light entering your body through
your head, and spreading throughout your entire
body out to your fingertips and toes.
Sit for as long as you can, aware of the light
filling you.
READ
Slowly read the following words from the
Christian tradition:
Therefore, since
we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight
and the sin that clings so closely, and let us
run with perseverance the race that is set
before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and
perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the
joy that was set before him endured the cross,
disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat
at the right hand of the throne of God.
[hebrews 12: 1-2 nrsv]
Read these words again, slowly, and allow one
word or phrase to stand out for you. Reflect on
the meaning and resonance of that word or
phrase for you today.
CONSIDER
What have you said 'yes' to in your life?
What are the core decisions and values that you
want to shape the way you are living?
For every 'yes' we say, there is at least one
corresponding 'no' - the distraction or the
alternative we have chosen against. And yet so
often, our 'yes' and our 'no' are weak,
unconvinced, unpractised.
Part of the Lenten discipline is learning to
strengthen our 'yes' and our 'no' so that we
can live out our path with perseverance, even
through tough times.
CONTEMPLATE
Take some time to be silent with God now,
for about 5 minutes, or more. Don't think about
anything in particular, just be as open and
attentive as you can.
When you notice that you are distracted gently
bring yourself back to the place of simple
'being.' You might find it helpful to say
internally, the word or phrase that you were
reflecting on from the reading, as a prompt to
let go of the distraction.
Don't expect anything to 'happen' during this
period of contemplation. It is enough that you
are here, being still.
RESPOND
Is there a verbal prayer or action that you
want to make in response to your meditation
today?
