John 17:6-19
This intimate prayer of Jesus for his disciples is extended to all who believe in his word “that they may all be one.” He prays to Abba not to take us out of the world but recognizing that we do not belong to the world, to protect us. And more. That we “may all be one as you, Abba, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.” Why? That we may have his joy.
This week, on silent retreat at Dayspring, I sat on the porch of the Lodge of the Carpenter and prayed for his joy. Remembering Paul’s imperative to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus (Ph. 2:5) I felt the possibility, at the same time knowing it was so far out of reach. I trust Jesus’ prayer. Yet, looking out over the rain-soaked greening meadows to the Lake of the Saints, my mind seemed more like the murky mist hovering over the water.
The fragrance of the rosemary bush in the pot by the door drew my attention. Then one purple pansy blossom drew me deeper into silence. The smooth velvety petals, the dark throat and the bright golden star in her deep center all opened my spiritual heart. The cloaking intensity of purple petals allured me to the truth of Easter hope. The black descent into the heart of the flower penetrated my pain and struggles. Suddenly there, in the center, the stunning contrast of the bright yellow star awakened me to startling joy. The joy of belonging to Oneness. The joy of Christ’s healing love and unifying vision for the kin-dom of God, the resurrection reality.
Beyond space and time, the mystery of divine love held me in contemplative silence. There were no more words or feelings. And after a while, a minute or an hour, my mind-in-heart was flooded with gratitude. I knew this taste of communion was an answer to Jesus’ prayer and mine. I wished the whole world could be with me on retreat. And it was.
— Ann Dean
Reflection Questions
- Do you recall a time of awakening on silent retreat when you lost track of time and space?
- Is there a place in the natural world that you go to pray and meditate?
- Would you like to read Jesus prayer in John 17 as a daily practice this week, in trust that he is praying for your deeper awareness of oneness?
