Bullseye!

So for some reason I have been wandering about in my prayer this morning...I have been wondering why this morning I woke up with such a clear brain and open heart at 4 AM.... Although my body hasn't gotten into the activated mode (I'm not running around cleaning house....) my inner being...that place of spiritual conversation is vibrating! I have prayed for many people...maybe you, the one reading this posting. I have revisited my time at the Abbey of the Genesee last week (that could be one reason I have been waking up so early this week -- I am still on Monk's time!) I have been holding the concerns of our congregation and of the larger church before God....because quite honestly I don't know how or what to "do" about the questions and issues that are before us.

Then I read the following:

Luke 17:20-25

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you." Then he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, 'Look there!' or 'Look here!' Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation."

The scripture met me in my wandering. wondering prayer...functioning as a bullseye...

Thoughts, emotions, images, questions, comments, phrases, movements all settle into a flowing stream ending in the heart of the only One who really can care for the vast meaning and purpose of life. Focusing upon Christ, and Him alone, helps to settle this prayer process. It is as though every word, even the wordless words, make their way to a bullseye of Love, Hope, and Peace.

I don't know how that works... I will never understand how this spiritual condition emerges. My heart is filled to the brim even as it is emptied of everything it notices. Sheer gift...abundant grace....abiding mystery of faith.

Nope... I can't figure it out. But I do know that it has everything to do with loving God with my entire being and being given whatever I need to serve others.

Bullseye!