Dear Corinne,
Do not be concerned if some weeks you find the Middday Manna exercise less fruitful than others. Many things can conspire to prevent us from entering into a time of stillness. So enter into them as you can, in whichever way seems best for you, on the day. Feel free to stay with one part and to omit another part. There is no appraisal or standard to reach, only an opportunity to stop and be still in God’s presence and to rest in him.
You will be familiar, no doubt, with Psalm 23 where David writes:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
As the autumn weather can be somewhat inclement, today’s photo is of the summer and sunshine and quiet waters. Take a moment or two to let go of the pressures of work and the busyness of the morning, and then look at the photo below:
Look carefully at it………………………….
notice the location, the weather, the time of day
notice as many details as you can…………………….
pay attention to the water and the reflections……………….
As you look, ask God what he is wanting to highlight to you through this picture……………………………………………….
take your time…………………………………….
Now place yourself in the location………………….
what feelings/thoughts emerge as you engage with the location/scene?………………………………………………….
What is God saying to you?……………………………….
What do you want to say to him?…………………………
Bring your time of stillness to a close with thanksgiving.
May your week go well.
with love,
