Lord, Jesus Christ, teach me to pray.
Prepare yourself for the reading of the scripture passage by quieting yourself and asking God to speak to you in this passage. Read the passage slowly with both the mind and the heart, at least two times.
A Reading from the Gospel according to Mark [1:29-35]
As soon as Jesus left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.
What do you notice in the story? What is meaningful to you?
In the last sentence we read, “he got up and went out”. This is a perfect lead in to one of my favorite types of prayer, praying in and with nature.
Jesus must have been exhausted after a night of healing and interaction with “the whole city”. We notice that he didn’t choose to sleep late the next morning in order to recharge. Instead, he went out of doors, into the wilderness, where he could find solitude, and where,I believe, he could feel closest to his Father.
I have found a daily contemplative walk to be absolutely invaluable to my spiritual life. I am indeed recharged every time I go out as I experience God’s presence in the trees, plants, clouds, sunshine, wind or snow. My head is cleared of cobwebs, my lungs are filled with fresh clean air and my heart opens up to all around me. To me, it is a holy appointment that my insistent canine companions (yes, my dogs) helps me to keep with God every day.
Jesus “got up and went out”. I encourage you to do the same. Today, make time for a walk, preferably alone or with your pet if they don’t require a lot of attention. Try to walk in a spot where there is a lot of nature. You are not going for exercise, you are going to commune with God. Walk slowly. Wander. Don’t hurry. Enjoy your time. Feel the air on your face. Listen for birdsong. Take deep breaths of fresh air. You may want to talk with God or you may just want to observe and experience all that is around you. Know that God is there.
If you just don’t have the time to take a walk today, take one soon. In the meantime, I encourage you to just step outside for a few minutes. Stand on your deck or porch and look at the trees, the stars, the snow. Listen for sounds of nature. Let the cold air touch your face. Enjoy the beauty of nature for a few minutes. Breathe.
End your experience by expressing your gratitude to God for the beauty of nature and all the ways that it nourishes us.
Record your thoughts, awarenesses or prayers in your prayer journal. Were you able to experience God outdoors? What feels challenging for you? What is easy? Does this seem like prayer to you?
Loving God, may the beauty of all that surrounds me draw me closer to You. Amen.
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