THEME:Subtracting Distraction, Gaining Jesus
BREATH PRAYER: Jesus, keep me centered at the foot of the cross.
At supper with his friends, Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples–the one whom Jesus loved–was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.”
- In a journal, note the day, time, and place you’re sitting.
- Open with silence. Set a timer for 1, 3, or 5 minutes so you can be free to rest and breathe deeply.
- Complete the following sentence in your journal: Today, I feel ________________.
- Read the centering verse above slowly (aloud or silently).
- Pause for a few moments of silence, then pray this week’s breath prayer.
In today’s practice, we seek to use each of our physical senses to witness this exchange between Jesus and His disciples. Read the passage above slowly. Imagine you’re a disciple, part of the intimate dinner of the Last Supper.
Close your eyes and picture the scene in your mind: imagine the smells, the sounds, the table, and the room. What is in front of you? Where are your hands?
Imagine where you’re sitting, the people sitting around you. Imagine being shoeless in this room and what your feet and toes feel like.
How does Jesus sound as He speaks? As He mentions His betrayal to Judas? As He talks of being glorified?
Read the passage several times, letting yourself be fully present with Jesus.
Imagine hearing Jesus’ words as a disciple. Let those words sink in; you don’t yet know Jesus is about to die. Let His words roll over you afresh as if you don’t know what will happen the rest of the night. If part of the passage sticks with you, stay there, and ask Jesus to help you understand its significance.
Write a few notes in your journal about the things that seem to be highlighted as you read.
Summary: Write in your journal a brief summary (five sentences or less) of your practice.
Closing: Jesus, keep me centered at the foot of the cross.