Centering Words: A 4-Minute Centering Practice

Words that turn into deep communion with Jesus

Would you be willing to join me in reading this one simple — but profound — sentence today from Colossians 3:2? They draw our gaze upward, to the only One who can speak to the deepest conditions of our personal life and the deepest yearnings of our surrounding culture.

Focus your minds on the things above, not on things here on earth. (CJB)

Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. (MSG)

And would you be willing to bow in prayer with me for just a moment in order to pray from the heart to Jesus?

Jesus, the first word that comes to me is repentance. After all these years of following you, my gaze is easily drawn down to what is right in front of me. Thank you for reminding me that the real desire of my heart is to gaze on you, the one who is high and lifted up. I pray in the name of the One who is over me, Amen.

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Spiritual Formation Queries

Queries are old spiritual formation practices dating back to the 17th century, at least. They are a set of questions designed to help you stop and wonder. Here are some queries about this simple, but powerful, statement about Jesus:

1. Read Colossians 3:2 in both translations—The Complete Jewish Bible and The Message. What captures your attention?

2. What are some of the greatest rewards you have received when you’ve been able to focus on Jesus?

3. What is most difficult for you when it comes to focusing your gaze on Jesus?

4. If you managed to focus more on the things of God above you, what might be some things you would likely experience here and now?

5. What is one thing you are willing to do to become more aware of the Presence of God while living here on earth?

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