The Lemon Tree in Me by Misty Flores inspired by Hanna Hurnard’s book, Hinds Feet on High Places with an exam prayer from Chris Webb’s book God Soaked Life
Chris Webb says about learning attentiveness, “Those who are most aware of God’s presence in their day to day lives are usually those who’ve troubled to train themselves in being aware.”
Contemplative prayer is becoming attentive to God in our everyday lives.
Let’s begin by situating our bodies into a comfortable position and taking a couple of slow deep breaths together. Maybe tell God, “I am here.”
If we want to grow a lemon tree, we first need to plant the seed. We don’t expect that seed to produce fruit the very next day; that would be an unrealistic expectation. The same is true for the fruit of the spirit. When we plant the seed of self-control in our heart and tend to it daily, overtime with regular nourishment, that seed begins to grow. Should we neglect our seed, it will eventually wither and be snuffed out by the wild weeds that will grow in its place. A well-nurtured seed will grow into a fruit yielding tree to share with our community that consists of God, ourselves and others.
Examen is a type of an ancient contemplative prayer that when prayed regularly, provides nourishment and weeding for our soul gardens.
The Fruit of the Spirit Examen for Self-Control
Lord, the greatest command is to love You and love my neighbors as myself. I do love my community, in my heart, but at times my actions do not reflect that love. Lord, plant the seed of self-control into my heart, let me nourish that seed by asking “Where today, have I experienced loving in community?”
(pause)
To help me to nurture my seed with gentle honesty, without criticism or judgment, either of myself or of others, I simply ask “Where today, have I experienced loss of love in community?” (pause)
Today, I saw a dragonfly. Yesterday, it was a bird. Many days I carry a rock in my pocket and when I feel its cool rough edges with my fingers, I think of You, Lord. Continue to provide me gentle reminders throughout my day so I can remember to give nourishment to my li>le seed of self-control. “What other reminders of God’s presence did I noIce today?” (pause)
Thank you, Lord, for longing me and loving me and believing someone like me capable to tend Your Spirit growing inside of me.
(brief pause)
Before we leave this listening space, let us linger here with God -without asking for anything, without telling anything, lets remain here a while and return often to savor the garden of existence with our Creator.
Amen and amen.
Go in Peace friends.
