Thursday of Holy Week - April 14

​“And Yet.” 
Scripture: (click on link to read scripture) -  Matthew 26:17-56

Are You Willing to Wake Up? 
“Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:40-41
Throughout Lent I begin my day by asking, “Am I willing to wake up?” I don’t mean yawn, stretch, and get out of bed. I mean, am I willing to meet this day by inhabiting whatever fruit of the Spirit is mine to share in the unfolding circumstances of the day. Am I willing to confront with goodness whatever habits and behaviours make me less than who I can be? 
Every. Single. Day. Indeed, like the disciples, every hour we are practicing staying awake. We are willing our spiritual hearts to wake up and pay attention. We are losing our little self so we can find something so much more.  
Inner awakening is the work of transformation. We awaken to the Divine flowing in all things. We awaken to the true core of our Self that looks in the inner mirror and knows itself as beloved. We awaken to the part of us that isn’t tarnished and never dies. 
Awake, we drink from the Cup of deepest forgiveness, awakening joy.
Awake, we taste the Bread of utter brokenness, awakening compassion. 
We linger in the Garden waiting, the tune of hymns haunting us with hope.  
 
Spiritual Practice
Today, set aside 5 minutes of intentional prayer.  Play this beautiful Gethsemane Meditation with the Taize chant 'Watch and Pray" Gethsemane Meditation 
And while you listen, repeat aloud these words:

Over and over, we fall asleep.
And yet.  
Love is always calling. 
Waking the longing in us. 
Over and over, we fall asleep.
And yet.  
Love is always present. 
Love never dies. 
 (You could also say your own chant or prayer)

Prayer
Lord Jesus, stay with us, 
for evening is at hand and the day is past; 
be our companion in the way, 
kindle our hearts and awaken hope, 
that we may know you as you are revealed in scripture 
and the breaking of bread. 
Grant this for the sake of your love.  -  (The Book of Common Prayer)