A Talk with Jesus

 

Scripture

 Matthew 28:19-20

[Jesus said] "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."  (NRSVUE)

Psalm 145:18

The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.  (NRSVUE)

 

Reflection

I'm sure that if I dug around long enough through my mementos, I would eventually find something stamped with WWJD --What Would Jesus  Do?  Those four little letters bring back a lot of memories of my high school and college days.  Some Good.  Some incredibly cringe-worthy.  Some involving singing along to a regional singer named Brad Yoder.

My faith has grown a lot since those days, but the question still rattles around in my head.  What would Jesus do when faced with a certain situation?  How would he react to what someone just said or did?  And what would Jesus say if I could just sit down with him over a cup of coffee and ask him for a bit of advice?

We may not be able to physically see him, but Jesus has promised that he is indeed always with us.  What's more, he is ready to draw near and help us whenever we call on him.  We just have to push through the awkwardness of calling out to someone we cannot physically see or hear.

This week's spiritual discipline  is designed to help us do just that by imagining Jesus as being physically present with us.  Then, it encourages us to chat with him as if he were any other trusted friend or loved one to whom we've gone to advice.  As we do so, we move into a form of informal prayer that invites Jesus to enter into our everyday lives and decisions.

Whether we imagine Jesus sitting in the passenger seat of the car, invite him for a walk, or set the table for him to enjoy a cup of tea with us, having a conversation in which we literally talk to Jesus and leave time for Jesus to respond can feel a little awkward at first...but it gets easier with practice.  When we make it a habit, it can help us become:

• More comfortable with being in a constant state of prayer and receptivity
• More willing to turn to Jesus for help with both minor issues and major needs.  
• Less in danger of feeling overwhelmed or alone when the life is difficult 
• Better able to imagine what Jesus would do and then try to model that behavior in our lives.
  

 I challenge you to try this practice for a week.  As you do so, try to notice if you discover any changes in when, where and how you turn to Jesus for guidance.  Do you find yourself more willing to consider what Jesus would do and then model that behavior yourself?  If so, is this a practice you would like to continue?

A Ritual for Talking to Jesus

1. Schedule a specific amount of time for some "one on one" time with Jesus.  "Invite him over" just as you would a friend or family member you want to catch up with.
2. Once your time is scheduled, set the physical space.  If Jesus is coming over for a coffee, tea, or a meal, set a place for him. Maybe put out some flowers or light a candle.   If you are going for walk, make sure it is a route where you will be comfortable talking aloud.  If he's joining you on a drive, make sure there is an empty seat for him in the car.  You get the idea.
   
3. Once the space is set, free yourself of any unnecessary distractions.  Turn down the TV or radio (unless you are doing something like watching a movie or listening to music together) and silence your phone.  When you feel ready, imagine yourself Jesus walking up to you.  Welcome him and invite him to make himself comfortable.   
4. Physically talk to Jesus about what's on your mind.  Perhaps there is something that has been weighing on you...or a story you want to tell him... or a questions that you would like to ask.  No topic is too big or too small.  This is your time with Jesus, and he cares enough about you to listen what you have to say.
5. As you talk, leave occasional pauses for Jesus to respond (just as you would for a loved one).  During these pauses, leave your heart and mind open for any spiritual guidance you may receive.  What may Jesus be saying to you in this moment?  How do you imagine him reacting to this situation?
6. When your time is done, thank Jesus for drawing near to spend time with you.  Then, spend at least one minute in quiet reflection.
7. End with the Lord's Prayer.

 

Musical Reflection

Because this entire activity is a form of prayer, I am not including a written prayer today.  Instead, here is a song that may put you in the right mindset for asking Jesus for his perspective on things.