naked, day 4

Come to Stillness:

Take a few minutes to allow your mind and heart to be still before God.

Opening Prayer:
O Lord my God, how I long to recapture the purity and joy of the Garden—when I was able to stand before you (and others) naked and unashamed. That, indeed, is what I was made for. But this side of heaven that is not my reality. My reality is filled with fear and shame; hiding and covering—terrified that I will be exposed, found out, not enough. How I genuinely long for true communion with you; total vulnerability; deep trust—to be fully known and fully loved. Have mercy on me! Amen. (JLB)

Psalm for the Week: Psalm 30

Scripture for the Day: Hebrews 4:13-16

Reading for Reflection:

In the presence of God one is vividly aware that he is not what he should be, has not what he needs in order to become a real man, knows not what he must know about himself and life.  He feels like a pauper as far as true wealth is concerned.  He has no boast to make—rather does he bewail his state of soul.  He is not morbid about it.  But he is real.  There is no pretense, no face-saving.  How can there be?  He is dealing with God now—and God knows all about him.  His own concern is to see in himself what God sees.  He does perceive in part—and so is very humble.  He wants a fuller perception—and so is very teachable.  No matter how good he is, he knows that he is not good enough.  No matter how bad he is, he knows there is mercy.  God is so much wiser, holier, more loving than he is that it is foolish to try to make a case for himself.  His folly is as evident to God as a wrong answer on an examination paper.  His sins are as apparent to God as an inkstain upon a wall.  His unlovingness is as visible to God as a broken bone in an X ray photograph.  “All things are naked and open to the eye of Him with whom we have to do.”  All he can do is fling himself upon God’s mercy.  His need is his only defense and his only argument. (An Autobiography of Prayer by Albert E. Day)

Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself

Song for the Week: Just As I Am

Just as I am without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come. I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot.
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come. I come.

Just as I am, tho’ tossed about,
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings within, and fears without,
O Lamb of God, I come. I come.

Just as I am poor, wretched, blind—
Sight, riches, healings of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee I find,
O Lamb of God, I come. I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
O yes Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come. I come.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give me the grace and the strength and the courage to take off that which I use to cover myself; and to clothe myself only and always in you alone. Amen. (JLB)