Listening
to God Through Contemplative Practices
by
Robbin Brent
Be
still, and know that I am God. —Psalm 46:10
In
yesterday’s reflection, Malcom McLaurin wrote about how following our baptismal
promises can be dangerous. Yet, if we are willing to overcome our fear and
listen to a deeper voice calling us to make the often-difficult choices, those
choices will lead to new life. But how do we listen to God? The season of Lent
offers us the perfect opportunity to engage with spiritual practices that help
us to listen more deeply: to ourselves, to others, and to God. This week we
shift from listening to ourselves to exploring several contemplative practices
that can help us to be more faithful listeners to God.
Contemplative practices are intentional actions or
activities that we do to connect more directly with the awareness of the Holy
in our lives. Today we will begin by preparing. Following are a few ideas you
might want to consider to help you get started.
• Create a designated space in your home
for reading, reflection, practice, and prayer. You may want to keep a journal
here, as well as some meaningful items that remind you of your intention.
• Bring an open
mind and heart, and start small. We will be listening with the “ears of our
hearts,” listening from a place of openness, curiosity, kindness, and
vulnerability. And even spending just a few minutes a day in silence, resting
in the arms of God, will be valuable.
• Seek the support
of others. You can invite others to read and reflect with you, or you could
join our Lenten retreat private group on Facebook (learn more at
livingcompass.org/lent).
Making
It Personal:
Have you had, or do you currently have, a regular spiritual
practice?
Which of the suggestions in this reflection have you
already tried or want to try?
How might you reengage, or deepen, that practice?
Living
Well Through Lent 2021
Copyright
©2021 Scott Stoner.
All
rights reserved.
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