Recorded MP3 audio meditations: downloads and audio streams, written reflections and contemplative resources by Dorinda Miller

Written Reflections

Journey Through Lent

These written reflections are for the Journey through Lent, under the heading

The Way of…with each week having a different theme.

 

Journey Through Lent - The Way of Wisdom

Where does the Way of Wisdom fit into the season of Lent with its emphasis on prayer and fasting and almsgiving? 

Well if, “the purpose of Lent is to confront us with ourselves in a way that’s conscious and purposeful, that enables us to deal with the rest of life well” (Thomas Moore), then it is reasonable to suppose that wisdom will be needed to achieve this outcome.

In Lent we recall and ponder on Jesus’ time in the wilderness.  A time apart from all that he had grown up with and that was familiar to him.  A time of prayer and fasting. A time of preparation for his ministry and mission. 

Reflecting on this I was reminded that, Jesus entered the wilderness in a fully human capacity. But at the same time he was existing with God before creation, as John tells us at the beginning of his gospel.

In the beginning the Word already existed.

The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He existed in the beginning with God.

God created everything through him,

 and nothing was created except through him.

The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and his life brought light to everyone.

John 1:1-4  (NLT)

There are many references to wisdom in the Bible. Three books in particular, in the Old Testament, are often referred to as wisdom literature. They are the book of Proverbs, the book of Ecclesiastes and the book of Job. Together they offer insight into the meaning of life and they show what it means to live in the wisdom of God.

In the New Testament the Letter of James provides some advice and instruction concerning wisdom.

And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace. James 1:5 (TPT)

But the wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace. James 3:17-18 (TPT)

Reflect

  • What springs to your mind when you hear the word wisdom?
  • How have you received wisdom from God?
  • What are you currently seeking wisdom on?

Read

Read through the following verses slowly three times and choose the word or phrase or verse that resonates with you today. Ponder on it in the silence, for a few minutes, and see what God will show you through it.

Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction. Psalm 90:12 TPT

Open up my understanding to the ways of your wisdom, and I will meditate deeply on your splendor and your wonders. Psalm 119:27 (TPT)

My life on earth is so brief, so tutor me in the ways of your wisdom. Psalm 119:19 (TPT)

Cause my heart to bow before your words of wisdom and not to the wealth of this world. Psalm 119:36 (TPT)

Record

I suggest you record your experience of reflecting on your chosen word/phrase/verse in your journal.

Written by Dorinda Miller; © D Miller 2021. For full credits please see the site credits page

Next Reflection:

The Way of Watching