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stations:feel

July 5, 2009

Posted in: stations:awaken, the gathering

FEEL

Watch the first few moments of Garden State.  What words describe what you see?

What state of existence would you say you are closer to . . .

ASLEEP < ————————————————————— > AWAKE

What factors are in your life that push you toward being Numb?

What factors are in your life that alert you to be Present?

The prophet Jeremiah is sick of sharing and living the message of Yahweh to a people who are blind to Him.  The prophet, an ikon of God to the people is sick of it – saying, ‘forget it’ – protesting from the pain it’s caused.  God has seemingly not shown up for him – and he’s done.  I no doubt believe he was quickly becoming a cynic, jaded, and carrying a laundry list of complaints for the way his life is turning out.

Hurt does this to us – often we distance ourselves so not to feel life and God.

But Jeremiah admits to the power of God – there is no way to remain asleep.  He says, “Sometimes I think, ‘I will make no mention of his message.  I will not speak as his messenger any more.’  But then his message becomes like a fire locked up inside of me, burning in my heart and soul.  I grow weary of trying to hold it in; I cannot contain it.’”

We say, “Awaken us to You.”

Consider the person, the event, the attitude, or the struggle that contributes to the numbness in your life.  Write the word on a slip of paper before you.

Prayerfully repeat “Awaken us to You” as you light the paper and drop it into the bowl to burn up.

* What would it mean for God to ‘ignite’ you to a life that is PRESENT?