How do you hear the unfolding story of God in your life, in your community, and even in this moment of restrictive pandemic? Listening to God’s heart song is unique for each of us. Our personality and psychological make up influence how we discern God’s Word singing to our heart. We are challenged to intentional interior heart listening through the process of spiritual formation.
Regardless of the genre of our heart listening to God, whether you are an active pray-er through hiking, swimming, jogging, or a one who sits silent awaiting a Word from God, God yearns to sing to your heart. God longs to shape us more uniquely into the image of the risen Christ. But this Word from God is never just for us. It is always for the other. Do not get me wrong, we certainly are edified by God’s Word singing an unfolding story in our lives, but as the story of God is told we are formed differently and hence live out loud differently in relationships with others. This is exactly what occurs in our Scripture this day.
The Scripture
Today we jump into the transformative moment of Joseph’s story. You may recall the Genesis story of the brothers who left Joseph in a desert pit to die. However, God had other ideas. In Genesis 45 we hear how Joseph is finally ready to reconcile and offer forgiveness to his brothers. First, he identifies himself and then seeks to restore intimate relationship with his father Jacob. “Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?’” (Verse 3, italic added for emphasis) Then he spoke of God’s sovereignty. Clearly at this point in Joseph’s story he had a solid foundation of faith which undergirded his words and actions.
It had been years since his brothers betrayed him and left him to die in an Egyptian desert pit. I wonder, what heart song God sang to Joseph throughout the years which made him able to embrace those that left him for dead? Did God’s heart song change through the years? Maybe at first God sang of comfort and peace to a man wounded, beaten, and left fearfully alone in the dark pit? As mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation began to form in Joseph’s heart his deep interior listening to God enabled him to make a new life for himself. He became one of Pharaoh’s right-hand attendants. Joseph enjoyed a good life in Egypt.
Lest we think God’s process of spiritual formation is an instantaneous act we remember that it was not on the first encounter with his brothers when they came to Egypt that Joseph proclaimed his identity and sought to restore relationship. Living from a new perspective, courageously trusting that God ordained new possibility in life caused Joseph to embrace his brothers and seek restoration of family covenant.
Today’s Prayer Practice
Today we pray with audio divina. This prayer practice like lectio divina invites us to listen deeply for the unfolding wisdom and story of God’s mystery through music. It employs our senses of hearing, imagination, and an open heart to God. To begin, I invite you to prepare to listen to God’s singing whisper through centering your heart and mind with a song. I first heard when I trained in spiritual direction over twenty years ago. Listen, Listen, Listen to My Heart’s Song opens us to the mystery of listening for God’s song.
Next, begin the process of heart listening through audio divina following these steps. You will listen to the music three times pausing between listening for prayer filled reflection. You may choose any instrumental music, or you may desire to listen to the soulful music of the Native American flute. An example of Native American flute music may be found here. This is a long selection of music. Please use only a small section at a time of two minutes. You may want to listen with your eyes open watching the video first and then on subsequent listenings close your eyes.
- On the first prayerful listening consider: What emotions from this music rise within me and catches my attention?
- The second listening. The most intimate of our experiences of God are also the most universal expressions of humanity. Consider: What sense of justice and journey arises within me as I listen to my musical selection or the Native American flute? How does the music express release of struggle turn into soul-deep joy? How does the music encourage a sense of spiritual companionship?
- The third listening. Consider: What is the invitation to me whispered by God’s prayer and presence through the weaving of this music and the scripture?
Bring to your consciousness the possibility and expectation that in this space you will hear God’s whispers to your heart as you listen. You may use this prayer or one of your own for anointing your sacred space.
Holy One, Holy Three, encircle me during this time. Let the music of your soul seep over me. May the melodies of your love penetrate the depths of my being and form within me an imaginative pilgrimage to your heart. Unite my heart with the ancient rhythm of our Native American brothers and sisters through all the ages. As I listen may I remember the Trail of Tears through the barrenness of American history and bring a peace-filled resolve to companions on this journey to new birthing. Open wide my imagination of Jesus, so that my eyes may see, and my ears might hear the passion of your song for all your people. Help me to notice what my soul is captured by through this audio divina practice. Grant me the courage to discover your invitation for my current living, as I am united through music with the ancestral way. I trust you, Lord, for the gifts and guidance on my creative awakening this day. Amen.[1]
Enjoy praying.
[1] Excerpts from Brenda Buckwell, 2015. The Advent of God’s Word. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Publishers.
