Instructions to guide you in the prayerful practice of silence and solitude meditating on John 14:1-14.
Preparation:
IMPORTANT: Look over the introduction and read these instructions in their entirety before you begin. Read the text from a paper Bible, not your phone. Try to make sure you have at least 20 minutes of uninterrupted time for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for the quiet components. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence, but most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is ok! Arrange whatever time you think reasonable (suggested times are provided), and set a timer, it helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
Context:
The sixth “I Am” saying is in John 14, where Jesus is having a final conversation with his disciples before the events of his death begin. He is preparing them for his departure. Encouraging his friends with the promises of what giving up his life will mean for them. One of those promises is that Jesus’ absence is to prepare for the disciple's arrival. Included in this promise is that they will know the path to get there. Per usual, the disciples are slow on the uptake, and it is here, in Jesus’ explanation of the promise that his death brings, that Jesus utters perhaps the most famous of his “I Am” sayings.
Practice:
READ
With this background, read John 14:1-14.
Now that you are familiar with the context, and words, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. As you breathe in, pray “Holy Spirit… and as you breathe out, pray, “…Give me ears to hear.” Ask God to give you an openness to hear whatever the Spirit wishes to bring to you today.
If (when!) your thoughts wander in the stillness, breathe the centering prayer to quiet your mind. Focus on your breaths as you envision breathing in God’s presence.
Now, reread the passage slowly, immersing yourself in the encounter with Jesus. Remember that those who lived through this experience felt very much as you would if you had been in their place. As you read, listen for:
A word or phrase or a detail in the story that stands out to you.
Where you find yourself in the passage: confused and doubting like Thomas, believing but blind like Philip, courageous but arrogant Peter (see 13:36-38), curious like the other Judas (see 15:22), or quietly observant like the other disciples?
In either case, do not choose this yourself, let the Spirit bring it to you.
REFLECT
As you reflect on the passage, consider one of the following:
The word or phrase that stood out to you. Why do you think these words resonated with you?
Who you found yourself to be in the passage. How does it feel to be this person? What draws you into the encounter? What are you thinking or feeling about Jesus?
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to ponder all this. Then, ask God, “How does this connect with my life today? What do I need to feel, to know, or be or do?”
RESPOND
Read the passage in John 14 one last time, preparing yourself for what you want to say to God about what you think the Spirit might have spoken to you or what came to you.
Pray whatever you need to pray. You might thank God for something or ask God for something. Give yourself 2-3 minutes to respond.
REST
Do as you are led for the last 3 minutes. You may wish to wait quietly on God—to simply be with Jesus. You may want to pay attention to God, pondering especially: how did Jesus seem in the passage to his disciples, his friends, the community, the religious leaders, etc.? What about Jesus makes you want to worship him, or at least be with him? Sit in the companionship of Jesus—the resurrection and the life that brings something glorious out of the darkest experiences and emotions.