naked, tuesday

Tuesday, October 7

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.

         

Scripture Reading for the Day: 2 Corinthians 5:2-5

Reading for Reflection:

 

I’m too alone in the world, yet not alone enough

to make each hour holy.

I’m too small in the world, yet not small enough

to be simply in your presence, like a thing—

just as it is.

I want to know my own will

and move with it.

And I want, in the hushed moments

when the nameless draws near,

to be among the wise ones—

or alone.

I want to mirror your immensity.

I want never to be too weak or too old

to bear the heavy, lurching image of you.

I want to unfold.

Let no place in me hold itself closed,

for where I am closed, I am false

I want to stay clear in your sight.

I would describe myself

like a landscape I’ve studied

at length, in detail;

like a word I’m coming to understand;

like a pitcher I pour from at mealtime;

like my mother’s face;

like a ship that carried me

when the waters raged.

(The Book of Hours by Rainer Maria Rilke)

Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself

                                 

Closing Prayer: O Lord, our God, how we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.  Because when we are clothed with you we will not be found naked.  Have mercy on us, O Lord, and deliver us from this life of groaning.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen.