“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org
The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional
written by Nancy Rueg @ http://nancyaruegg.com
View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2022/04/07/opening-up-new-spaces/
Opening Up New Spaces
April 7, 2022 by Nancy Ruegg
Some time ago, wise-and-insightful blogger Michele Morin (at Living Our Days) shared that she was journaling through some of the old hymns. I imagined her digging into the meaning of some of the rich language and theology, personalizing the truths, and/or using them as the basis for prayer.
Putting pen or pencil to paper in such a way slows down our thinking, allowing wonderful blessings to emerge:
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Increased knowledge of God and his Word
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Clarity of understanding
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A record of discoveries
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A record of faith deposits for later encouragement
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Renewal of the mind
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Augmented intimacy with God
If writing a meditation sounds intimidating, adopt the attitude of Isaac Asimov:
“Writing to me is simply thinking through my fingers.”
Isaac Asimov
For Christian journalers, writing can be worshiping through our fingers.
But how do we even begin such a process? Try Anne Sexton’s approach:
When we invite Jesus into our lives, the Spirit of God takes up residence within our spirits (1). We can put our ears down close to our souls and listen hard for him to guide our thoughts and lead us to the insights he would have us discover.
And then, we fill our pages with the breathings of our hearts (2).
The following is an example of a journal entry, based on the first verse of the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”(3). The next four images contain the lyrics.
You, oh God, are the Source of every blessing—every provision, every answered prayer, every wise decision, every creative idea, every moment of joy. All good and perfect gifts come from you (4).
Out of your lavish generosity, blessings flow continually from your hand. May I be quick to praise you for each one as they demonstrate your lovingkindness.
This fount of blessing includes your mercy also. I praise you for your forgiveness, undeserving as I am. Thank you for looking upon me with compassion and tenderness in spite of my weaknesses, failures, and sins.
And I praise you that your mercy never ends! You are faithful to forgive me every time I come to you in repentance. Such grace is beyond comprehension. Yes, I want to sing songs of loudest praise, to honor you rightly for all you’ve done for me and continue to do.
Perhaps if I had the voice of an angel and knew the songs of heaven I could sing the full praise you deserve!
Nevertheless, I celebrate your name(s)—Shepherd, Lord of Peace, God of Grace, Father of Compassion and more. I glory in all the attributes indicated by each one. And I remember: the one trait that is part of them all: your unfailing love.
Thank you for loving me, in spite of my shortcomings; thank you for redeeming me from the consequences of my sins so I might enjoy you forever!
Should you decide to journal through a hymn or praise song, remember: perfection is not the goal, getting to know God better and worshiping him more passionately are the aims.
An added benefit? Our meditations will positively impact our words and actions (5).
Notes:
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1 Corinthians 3:16
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based on a quote from William Wordsworth
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by Robert Robinson, text adapted by Margaret Clarkson
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James 1:17
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Joshua 1:8
God's group 