A Long Season of Making Space
Jenn Killpack of Raymore, MO, USA
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death-
even death on a cross. -Philippians 2:5-8
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
What an interesting year to ponder this guiding question. So much of 2020 and even the beginnings of 2021 have felt as if we weren’t moving at all. Sheltering at home, staying away from friends and family, connecting only through screens and phones. But in other ways there was tremendous opportunity. Worshiping and connecting with friends who live across the world, spending more time with my immediate family, slowing down.
Without all the kids’ activities, evening practices, and other commitments, I had time to ponder how moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One, might look in the midst of a pandemic-how people’s health and safety were at stake and what my responsible action might be. I had time to really look at the racial injustice that brothers and sisters face every day and plan action that aligned with the compassion and justice that Jesus taught. I had time to think about what things I wanted to make space for in my life as our sense of normal shifted and began to settle.
To be honest, pretty much all of 2020 felt a little bit like Lent-a long season of setting aside, taking away, and making space. I wish I could say I have used this new time and space in my life to create diligent, new practices to deepen my discipleship. But I can’t. Lots of days I couldn’t think about one more heartbreaking thing and had just enough energy to whisper simple prayers like “please help” or “I can’t do this by myself” or “thank you.” I like to think God was totally ok with that.
As we travel this season of Lent again, I continue to hope… for more connections, for whispered prayers, for healing, for hugs, and for a continued desire to live like Jesus the peaceful One.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Gospel Contemplation (Mark 11:1-11)
Each week during Lent, you are invited to pray with a different gospel story from the life of Christ. Use your senses and imagination to enter the text. Allow it to come to life in you, observing details, noticing interactions, even engaging in dialogue. Notice where you find yourself in the story and how you feel about what is happening. Notice what it evokes in you or invites of you. Take time to journal or enter silent prayer to reflect on your experience and to sense where the Spirit may be leading you through this scriptural encounter.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
