Devotion: What Will Rise?
Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
John 20:17
When I was in college I was part of what was called, The Interfaith Center. Because I went to a small school, we only one group for all expressions of faith. It was really good for me to be exposed to such diversity!
As part of that experience, we meditated, because silent, individual prayer is the one, true ecumenical practice. So, we lit candles and incense and silently prayed. Sometimes during meditation, if I had trouble shutting off my thoughts, I would look at the smoke from the incense. Smoke billows as it rises. In and of itself, it was beautifully hypnotic. I remember feeling in those moments that the rising smoke is a great metaphor for life. What rises from us? Something beautiful and pleasing to the senses? Or is what rises from us something unpleasant?
In our Lutheran Evening Prayer we sing what is based on Psalm 141: “Let my prayer rise before you as incense.” I have always relished the beauty of those words in song. In response I have worked hard to make prayer less a list of what I want, and more a beautiful response to the fire of faith within me.
I write on Easter Monday, still glowing from the beauty of yesterday. The family of faith joyously gathered is always a highlight for me – especially on full days like Easter! I also believe that what Jesus hopes from the resurrection is not simply a day of celebration, but rather that we might commit ourselves to have the best rise from within us! I detailed that in my sermon.
So, what will rise from you in your life? You have the power to shape this… not completely, but in part and by faith. I pray that we, as a community, will help shape each life to allow the best of God to rise. And I wish to you a very Happy Easter!
Let us pray… Risen Christ, rise up from within us, we pray. Allow our faith in you to mold us into becoming the most beautiful, giving and nurturing version of ourselves. Give us the spiritual strength and determination to allow your presence be manifest in our lives. Amen.
Written by Pastor Greg Bouvier
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Pastor Greg heard God’s call to Sheridan in 1999 and that began a journey which has become his life’s work. Having played a variety of roles as pastor of Sheridan, Pastor Greg was called as the Senior Pastor in 2011. He leads the staff and his primary focus is on the creation of culture, the overall direction of worship and partnering with our amazing team. Pastor Greg has been married to Rose for more than 30 years and together they have two servant-hearted grown children.