Day 6 - Seeking God

Name: Jon H. McFarland (Faculty Member)

Scripture:  “I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Psalm 131: 2)

Reflections:

My own searching out of Lent and other spiritual practices began as a Pastor years ago when I was concerned that the Christians I knew made little or no spiritual preparation for Christmas and Easter.  It seemed critical to me that some kind of practice was needed that would bring our attention back to God, and what better place to go than to the church’s own historical practices.  So it is with real joy that I anticipate our campus-wide emphasis on Lent.

The reality is that we are easily distracted from the important things in our lives.  Dates and remembrances help keep us in a rhythm of life that either draws us to God or draws us away from God.  In the wisdom of the Church Fathers, a calendar was established with specific times and events for worship, celebration and prayer, for fasting from the many distractions of our lives, so that we won’t forget. 

These practices were to set our attention on the One who alone can nurture our spiritual lives.  They are a blessed invitation to draw near to the Father who is the author and perfector of our lives, the One with whom our souls must wrestle in love to move closer and deeper into relationship. 

Prayer for the Day: 

Father, may we like Jacob wrestle with you in prayer until you bless us and draw near according to your blessed promise.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.