Word for this Lenten season
contemplation
noun /ˌkɑntəmˈpleɪʃn
- the act of thinking deeply about something
- the act of looking at something in a calm and careful way
As Christians around the world enter the season of Lent, I hope to spend these 40 days leading up to Easter contemplating on Christ’s life & death, and how I might participate more fully in worship of Him.
Considering what is happening in the world (before one craziness ends, another begins) despair threatens to overwhelm. I can only cling on now to faith and pray: praying you all safe and well; praying for sanity & compassion to return.
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.
Psalm 84:1-4, NRSV
Notes:
- Feature photo taken on 27 Feb 2022 along the Whampoa Park Connector
- This post is my contribution to Weekend Sky hosted by Hammad Rais
Touring My Backyard 
A perfect word to meditate on the psalm.
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Amen to that! Appreciate your popping in Amanda, to meditate along with me.
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Always a pleasure, Ju-LYn
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I love your words, “I can only cling on to Faith”. Yesterday when I left my house with a head full of “stuff” like we all do these days. I remember thinking Faith, yes faith is what we need to remember and grasp right now. It doesn’t change what is happening, it DOES give us power and purpose. May you have a blessed Lenten season Ju-Lyn. You inspire many. Donna
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Oh Donna, appreciate so much your hug of encouragement! Indeed some days are more challenging than others, and reading your response (although somewhat belatedly) this morning has uplifted me so much!
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I’m glad. You are such a great soul. ( I’m always a little belated in response-lol) no worries.
We all get here when we can. 🤗
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Appreciate so much your understanding … yes! it takes a while, but we get where we need to be. Hope you are having a good week …
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Reblogged this on Re-theologizing and commented:
Once again we begin our walk with Jesus from Tabor to Jerusalem
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So glad to have this opportunity to share space with you.
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Ju-Lyn, your post indeed inspires contemplation. The tree yearning heavenward, the beautiful psalm reminding us of joy and comfort. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of calm and of prayer.
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I love that we spur each other on towards calm and lots of prayer – it seems to get harder with each of wave of news that comes our way.
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Fantastic way to start Lent! Love the tree blooming so beautifully❤️
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Appreciate very much your encouragement. May your contemplation & reflection bring you peace & joy.
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Hard to remember the significance of this season with all that is going on, Ju-Lyn. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.
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I know, right? It is a call for me to think beyond the despair to brighter things.
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🤗💟
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I too join you in your prayers Ju.
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So glad to have you in community, in spirit.
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Good way to start Lent. And a tree with purple flowers. How appropriate.
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You noticed the colour of the flowers!!!
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You know it, Ju-Lyn! 😉
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Beautiful post. I join you in praying for sanity & compassion to return.
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As if COVID, not over yet, were not enough. Now we have Putin on the rampage. But how lovely that psalm is. Lent is the perfect time for contemplation.
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Exactly. I try to avoid the news cycle as much as I can, but too much leaks in.
It will be a challenge & discipline to contemplate lovelier things.
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Absolutely!
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Appreciate the camaraderie & being my community in prayer, Donna. We are not alone.
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