The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not a thing, that you can touch or see. The Holy Spirit is the pure love at the centre of our being. S/he cannot be proved, or tested, any more than you can prove that your mother or father loves you, or that your husband, wife or child loves you. S/he can only be experienced. - Sit in a quiet place, with your spine as upright as possible and your feet on the floor.
- Breathe quietly, and relax your body.
- If distractions come notice them in a passive way, and let them go.
- Quietly say the name of God.
Ma-ra-na-tha (Come Lord Jesus)
Lord, in the quiet dark I know that I am alive. I hear my breath, and listen …
listen for the sound of your voice… … …
As I listen I become aware, even of the beat of my heart. I listen beyond the beating of my heart …
listen for the sound of your voice… … …
As I listen I become aware of all the small sounds of the building in which I sit. I listen beyond the building …
listen for the sound of your voice… … …
As I listen I become aware of the world outside the building, the sighing of the wind, the distant engine, the bird song. I listen beyond the neighbourhood …
listen for the sound of your voice… … …
Lord, in the quiet dark I become aware of the heart beat of the world. I hear its pain and its joys. I weep for its hurt. The busy-ness of the world fills my mind.
Should I not stop here, Lord, and learn what I must do to heal your world? Must I listen even beyond this?
… … …
I listen, listen beyond words, listen beyond understanding …
listen to heaven's love-song in my soul … … …