Week 13 - The hidden life

Theme:

Jesus only became the person He is after a long process of internal growth. His realization of His destiny was able to ripen as a result of His relationship with those around him. Jesus chooses what He stands for. It is no different for me.

What I might wish to ask:

That I can see how my own process of internal growth has brought me to where I am today. That my destiny in life may become clearer by deepening my understanding of Jesus and the choices He made. That I have the courage to face uncertainty in life.

First, I take a couple of minutes in silent prayer to allow myself to come into God’s presence: God who is looking at me with love and friendliness.

*

Music: Take, O take me as I am. The Chapel of Saint Ignatius Choir.

Take, O take me as I am

Summon out what I shall be

Set your seal upon my heart

and live in me.

Spotify Link:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5TVSygW9qTzh3IUBrjQzK1?si=7185b9f038ec4202

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/g7bXteoRnvQ?si=A_1K2ll6r2o4hxlw

1 Kings, 3: 4 - 15

And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings upon that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream[b] by night; and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 

I imagine that I am in some remote place, in silence, in prayer or meditating. And then I hear God speaking these words to me. What would my answer be?

*

And Solomon said, “Thou hast shown great and steadfast love to thy servant David my father, because he walked before thee in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward thee; and thou hast kept for him this great and steadfast love, and hast given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people whom thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give thy servant therefore an understanding mind to govern thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to govern this thy great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word.

I consider who has been important, or is still important for my own personal and spiritual growth in my life.

*

Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. …. And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream.

The experience of being inspired by a dream, a song, an encounter, a conversation. The songwriter uses words to express this poetically: “Set your seal upon my heart and live in me.”

Which words would I use to express how I am feeling or thinking at the end of this meditation?

*