PRACTICE
BEING A MYSTIC IN CREATION
Sometimes
nature surprises us with wonder so deep it feels like our breath
will stop. At those moments, we know that there is really very little
that stands between this earthly existence and the hall of the Holy
One. These moments are not as rare as we might think; they happen
all the time. If we want to revel in nature’s glory, we will
not have long to wait.
This
prayer practice can help you become aware of the ever-present
mystical transcendence in the world of nature. It
is there for us, if only we have the eyes to see and the
ears to hear.
To
begin this practice set aside 30 minutes to go on a field trip.
Take with you a Bible and journal. Choose a place that is in
nature: a quiet park, a grassy space near a lake, a forest path,
a valley looking up toward a mountain.
-
Center
yourself in the space and acknowledge God’s
presence there by allowing your senses to drink in the
details of the place. Be attentive to the scents, the colors,
the textures, the sounds.
-
Take
notice of yourself in the space – how your
body feels, how you fit or do not fit in, how your inner
disturbances affect the landscape. Then take a few moments
to offer a prayer of intention to the
Holy One about your reason for being there, and your willingness
to be open to heaven’s presence in the midst of
creation.
-
Read
Exodus 3:1-6 very slowly, lingering over words
and phrases like you were touching the finest silk. Don’t
move on to the next word or phrase until you feel an inner
readiness to do so. After you have worked your way through
the passage, record in your journal any
thoughts or insights that rose in you as you read and reflected.
-
Now close
your eyes and imagine that some bush, or tree, or rock,
or flower has been touched with the flame of heaven. Consider
how impossible it seems that something could catch fire
and not truly burn. Notice the light from the fire that
seems to pass before your closed eyes.
-
Now imagine
that you hear a slight sound that you recognize as the
voice of the Holy One. What words seem to form
in your mind, what images seem to develop in your soul,
what feelings seem to fill your heart? Try not to question
what is happening. Instead, simply be present to the unfolding
encounter with God. After a time, you will notice that
the fire has died down, and your soul is still. Thank
God for the time you have spent together.
-
Spend
a few minutes recording in your journal what seems
important to remember from the encounter.
|
