Meditating In Order To Understand
In Step 11 of the 12-Step program of A.A. we are invited through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us, and the power to carry it out. We achieve this through meditating on the Scriptures we read in the Bible, seeking to understand why Jesus came to earth to do the will of His Father, and why He tells us to follow Him.
When Jesus had finished preaching to the crowds who gathered to hear Him, His disciples often didn’t fully understand what He was saying. Jesus then spent time alone with them and explained in more depth those things He had taught that day. When Jesus spoke of the plans that were in place for Him to complete His work on earth and return to His Father, one of His disciples straight up told Him he didn’t understand where He was going or the way. Another asked Jesus to show them the Father and then they might understand. Like the first followers of Jesus, we also need to take time to meditate on what He is saying, ask questions, and attentively listen for explanations.
Tomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father too. But now you know the Father. You have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need.” Jesus answered, “Philip, I have been with you for a long time. So you should know me. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father too. So why do you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (John 14:5-9 ERV)
When we begin to understand why Jesus came to earth, we will know our Father’s heart for us. Jesus was aware each person would need help to fulfill God’s will for their life. At Jesus request, the Holy Spirit was sent to earth to be with us and in us. He is the Power who helps us persevere and complete the will of God for our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray You will give me the knowledge of Your will for my life and the Power of Your Holy Spirit to carry it out. Amen
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