Monday, January 20, 2014

SP500 Journal Entries for Weeks One and Two

Note: I am taking a class at Fuller Theological Seminary called SP500, Spiritual Traditions and Practices. I will be posting some of my journal entries for this class here (which are not much different from my previous posts). We are practicing different models of contemplative prayer.

Week One, Entry One
Thursday, January 9, 2014 7-8:30 p.m.

The song "You Know Me" sung by Steffany Frizzell is so deeply personal and beautiful. She sings as if she got ahold of my heart song to God. I am overcome with gratitude to my LORD in this moment! His LOVE is beyond description to me! The lyrics of this song resonate with my soul’s cry to God. It cries out in adoration. Songs keep coming to mind as I ponder Psalm 42. I find the songs on youtube and listen and meditate on how God can fill my longing.
I listen to “As the Deer” sung by Misty Edwards and several of her other songs. I am amazed at the nuances of God. He speaks to me so clearly when my heart is still and open before Him.

Revelation
I hear God say to me: “I want to talk about you and me.”
I am quiet before Him and listening. I hear my body. I realize how tired I have been. My heart asks: Why are you so tired o my soul?
Then He shows me: My body is throbbing with a dull pain. I did not realize the constant pain was making me tired. I had gotten used to living with the pain. My kidneys are struggling to filter and they hurt. I am suddenly sorrowful. I have not been good with myself. I was not listening. I must take more time to slow down and rest.

Vision
An angel takes me upwards into the second heaven. He carries me and the trail behind us is like a shooting star! I feel like I am on the most amazing vacation!

I hear the strains of Misty Edwards singing: ‘Here O, Lord, have I prepared a resting place…here, O, Lord, I’ll wait for You alone…’

God, as the song says, ‘come as close as You want. Consume this heart that longs to burn…how I ache for YOU, God! Holy God! Take my heart, purge it with flame and Truth! A holy heart is all I want that I may live with YOU.’

I am back in my bedroom now and I know what I need to do. I feel rested in my spirit. My body had time to catch up a bit.

Psalm 42:7-8 NIV
Deep calls out to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the LORD directs His love, at night His song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

Week One, Entry Two
Sunday, January 12, 2014, 1 hour

Burn in me O, God
With YOUR holy fire
Consume me!
I will be a living sacrifice
Remove all unholy distractions
Focus me…
On You, God.

Let me see all of Your GOODNESS
Your Glory, God!
Show me Your face
Let me gaze upon Your beauty!
I am lovesick
I am hungry
I am thirsty
For more of You!

Burn in me, O God!
I lay myself down for You
Fill me up
Overflow in me, God
Breathe on me
With Your Holy Spirit
Put Your holy Light in me

Consume me 
With Your LOVE!

Misty Edwards singing and leading worship "Soul Cry" excerpt


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