Patience
The Scripture passage today tells of Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness. 40 days alone in a barren place might seem a long time to spend in prayer and reflection; a long time to learn the ways of the good and bad spirit. But it takes time to reflect to allow ourselves to gain the wisdom of understanding how we are likely to be tempted to comfort, honour and pride. Jesus needs this space to recognise how he might be vulnerable to temptation.
If Jesus had the patience to spend time alone in prayer and reflection, how much more do we need that time and space?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to ponder. We might like to imagine Jesus being tempted, or listen to him talking about his time in the wilderness. (Imaginative Contemplation)
Scripture
Luke 4:1-13 NRSVACE
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.”’
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
“He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”’
Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’
When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
While I’m Waiting, Travis Greene