Meditation Monday – May 17, 2021
…So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16: 22
John 16:22
If you are anything like me, anxiety about the future or about relationships can be a real “joy-sucker.” When I let my fear take over, I imagine all kinds of worst case scenarios and convince myself they are true. When left unchecked, my fears drive my bus down Despair Avenue.
The truth is, we are called to joy, not fear. We are called to embrace the gift of a deeply rooted joy given to us by God. We are called by our compassionate Lord to trust His love. Our God promises to NEVER leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5). That does not mean we are called to ignore physical and emotional pain, nor ignore the suffering around us. Instead we are called by the Father to trust that “He’s got this.”
I personally find the following prayer by Father Thomas Keating very helpful when I am fearful and fretting about “life”. I pray that you will as well.
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
The Welcoming Prayer by Father Thomas Keating
I welcome everything that comes to me today, because I know it’s for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval, and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God and God’s action within. Amen.
Special thanks to Tracy Flanders and Jan Barclay for reminding me of this prayer.
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