Alone With God

Ash Wednesday is today. That is the beginning of Lent, a 40-day time of reflection and restoration of our vision of Christ as the model for how we are shaped. Our goal is Christlikeness. So during these days leading up to Easter, we reflect on Christ's person and mission as we also reflect on our own journey.

In the next 40 days Wineskins will be posting meditations from Sacred Space, material from Sojourners, writings from Henri Nouwen, a Dutch mystic and great devotional writer and social activist, J.H. Garrison, a great worship and devotional writer from Stone-Campbell history, and many others.

This first reflection has been edited by Gary Holloway from J.H. Garrison's Alone With God (Leafwood, 2003).

Psalm
O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.
Psalm 105:1-4

Meditation
Christ has brought us a fuller revelation of God than David knew, and gives new and stronger reasons why the soul should long for him. He is our Father. He so loved the world as to give his only begotten Son to save it. O the infinite depths and tenderness of his love!
J.H. Garrison, Alone with God, 27

Scripture
I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask,
to be found by those who did not seek me.
I said, "Here I am, here I am,"
to a nation that did not call on my name.
Isaiah 65:1

Prayer
Father, as you have sought me in your love, may I seek your presence continually this day. Keep me close in your grace so I may glory in your name.

Action
Find a way to remind yourself to reflect each day of Lent. It might be a computer alarm or a special wristband or a sticky note on your mirror. Whatever the reminder, decide and set up a reminder for yourself to take this time of reflection together with Christians around the world.