11But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 12he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
- As you settle into the breath, allow your feet to be planted firmly on the floor.
- As Christ meets you in this holy place, feel your feet connecting to Holy Ground.
- Notice what desires your feet have to be planted there with Christ.
- Feel the roots grow from the bottom of your feet into the ground.
- What nourishment does Christ have for you?
- What dead works does Christ want you to set aside?
- What does Christ want to grow in you?
- What new life does this new growth spark in you?
- Allow this spark to continue growing in you.
- What is God’s message for you?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, November 4, 2012, the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Ruth 1:1-18
Psalm 146:1-10
Hebrews 9:11-14
Mark 12:28-34
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD
I grew up Presbyterian. What you’re advocating in your Hebrews 9:11-14 piece is actually a form of contemplative prayer. Where is it, scripturally, that we are told to include any emphasis on breathing in prayer? Please elaborate on that. I also see what looks to be a labyrinth as the picture at the top of the page. Why did you choose that photo? Thank you.
Let’s go to the beginning in Genesis. God creates with God’s breath. As I open to the breath of God, I am preparing myself in prayer, connecting with my creator and setting aside the cares of the world to listen.
And you are correct,the photo is of a labyrinth by the bay. The prayer labyrinth is a spiritual tool for prayer representing a journey. The journey is moving toward God, the center. As we open ourselves to God, we receive from God. The journey back from the center is the same path as the way in. Yet we are holding what we have received, allowing it to grow and form in us along the way.