Hope


Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.   -Isaiah 40: 28-31


Today we find ourselves facing difficult times. Our everyday is filled with uncertainty and fear. It is in times such as these that we pray for strength. Below is a spiritual practice that you can use with the verse above or one of your own choosing. This is a step by step reading that includes meditation and contemplative prayer. If you would like to learn more about spiritual practices visit the Drinking from the Well page on the Nebraska Synod website.
1.    Take a few moments to become still and quiet within.  Let go of your thoughts, worries, agendas, desires.  Turn them over to God.  Just be for a few minutes.

2.    Read the verse slowly and carefully, either aloud or silently.  Reread it.  Be alert to any word, phrase, or image that seems to have energy for you.  It could be a word that invites you, a phrase that puzzles you, an image that intrigues you.  Wait for this word, phrase, or image to speak to you; do not rush or force it.  Read the passage as many times as you like.

3.    Take whatever word, phrase, or image that has energy for you and allow yourself to ponder it in your heart.  Repeat it to yourself like a mantra.  Allow this word, phrase, or image to interact with your deepest self—your thoughts, desires, memories.  Let it speak to your life.

4.    Let your soul be deeply in prayer, allowing God to transform you through the word, phrase, or image.  Let your feelings be open and honest with God.  Consider how this word, phrase, or image connects with your life today.  How is God present to you in it?

5.    Rest silently In the presence of God.  Move beyond words, phrases, or images.  Enjoy the freedom that comes in contemplation.

6.    If you desire, write about this prayer experience in a journal.  What is your word, phrase, or image?  What does God reveal to you in it?  What does it have to say about your life right now?

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