Weekly Meditation for November 1

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

Weekly Meditation
How Shall We Pray?
By Tom Robertsen

Revelation 21: 1-5

I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jeusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men and will live with them. They will be people of God, and God will be with them and be their God. Our God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed." The One seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"


This passage from the last book in the Christian New Testament is an example of apocalyptic writing, which is usually a visionary depiction of a sometime future face off between powers of good and evil. The book of Daniel could be another instance of an apocalypse.

We know almost nothing about John the author of Revelation except that he lived on a small and rather barren island off the coast of Greece. The purpose and overall meaning of John's book have been almost anyone's guess for nearly 1900 years. In fact, it wasn't even included in the official collection of biblical writings until sometime in the 4th century.

In spite of that, certain passages -- such as the one above -- speak profoundly to us as followers of the gospel message. These words can quite possibly answer the most basic Christian question: Why do we pray? What does it do for me? or What do I get out of it?

Follow with me if you will in John's footsteps. Silently meditate for a few moments on the infinite love of our God, the inexhaustible care and benevolence provided on our behalf. Shut out from your perception anything to the contrary. Feel yourself to be spiritually centered on this single divine energy source.

I believe that continuing your prayer-meditation in this way you will soon begin to experience a new heaven and earth, a renewal of everything around you. Some of the old stuff in your life can begin to fall away. "No more sea?" That's Bible talk for an end to life's turbulence.

Let's look at what follows: a new Jerusalem or an exalted city of hope; then, God as an indwelling and living presence in our lives; and lastly, a way out from a lot of the bad stuff in our lives.

This happened in the experience I wrote about last month, seeming nearly like an apostolic event. Starting in the very depth of frustration, I saw through prayer how things could change almost immediately to a time of hope and fulfillment!

This Christ consciousness is constantly inviting us in to experience renewal and regeneration in our personal live as well as in our larger church community. Truly God does make all things new.