“So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well being…” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

[Based on part of a guided meditation led by Paul Kennington after Evensong on February 3.]  After each numbered step, allow time for silent reflection.

1. Settle yourself into place. Hear the sounds around you. Experience the physical space, its shape and architectural features, temperature, the quality and smell of the air you breathe. Allow your back to straighten and relax, and feel your feet in contact with the ground, your back and seat supported, your spine rising comfortably towards the very top of your head. Let your breath gently fill your body and help you to be fully present to this moment in space and time.

[Silence]

2. “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful people and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you will renew the face of the earth.” Read the scripture passage again. Allow your mouth to shape each word. Allow your ears to hear the words as if a trusted person were reading to you.

[Silence]

3. Picture yourself in the middle of a path, walking along it. Gently become aware of what is on either side. Events in your life.  People. Situations.  Occasions of delight…. of anxiety…. of fear…. of accomplishment….Here they are, along your way.

[Silence]

4. “So now, O Israel, what does Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your well being…”

As you continue on your Way, invite yourself to picture the Way of the Lord.  Does it cross the path you have been on?  Does it join your path? Do the paths diverge? Do they weave towards and away from each other?  Let yourself explore these paths, and what you now find on and along them, gently and freely.

[Silence]

5. When you are ready, slowly return your attention back to the space where you find yourself. Enter it again, and come to where you are at this moment.

[Silence]

6. “Thank you, Lord God, for all the benefits you have given us, you who live and reign forever.  Amen”