Starter Prayer: God of my life, teach me how to think and live as one who has been raised with Christ. Help me recognize the hidden glory that is my True Self.

Focus Phrase: Negative Space

Since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is– seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ-who-is-your-life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (The first few phrases of Colossians 3, as Katie remembers it.)

If I have a “life verse,” these few sentences from Colossians might be it. The idea here pairs rather nicely with 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 from our 2-day reflection. It’s also the first thing I thought of when I read Pittman’s explanation of her digital drawing, “The Cross Remains.” She writes, I drew this image as I attempted to obscure the cross with blooming irises, a flower that represents wisdom and strength. Ultimately, in the negative space, the cross remains.

As I contemplated this drawing and these passages, I came up with a little “poem” of my own:

Your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Like negative space you go unnoticed
Until a Beholder, contemplating Christ,
Sees Your form and calls it Glory.

Be encouraged in your practice.

Katie Martinez

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE:

• Read and reflect on p. 22-24 of Again & Again. The link is in every Journey email. If you’re not getting those, register here.  
• Read Colossians 3:1-4.
  
• Questions for journaling and spiritual conversation:
  
  • Like negative space, what good or glory has appeared in you over the years of your life with God?
  • What good or glory in you is hard to own or see?
  • If it’s true that Christ’s nature and your nature are somehow wrapped up in God together, how does that change your experience of life today?
  • Do you see yourself as a risen person, a fallen person or some kind of combo?
  • Are you tired of these questions? Me too. Now go enjoy your Saturday!
• Make your plans to participate in the Good Friday Experience at Crossroads, in-person, online or on demand. We will reflect upon the hidden wisdom and true power of the cross. For the in-person option, a reservation is necessary.
• As the week unfolds, what word or phrase captures your attention? Weave your word into the prayer wall at the Taft Avenue facility; or text your word to 970-500-0970, and the prayer team will weave it into the wall for you.

ENDNOTES:

• For daily texts with the Focus Word, Starter Prayer and link to these daily posts, text the word “lent” to 970-500-0970.
• Join Ryan on Facebook Live, every weekday morning at 10am for spiritual conversation on these Lent themes.
• Looking for the link to the digital devotional or your copy of the print version? Register here.
• Join the Orange Dots of Hope Facebook Group for spiritual conversations.

This is part of Again & Again: Journey of Lent 2021 with Crossroads Church. The theme, devotional booklet, poetry and art is the work of the creative community of theologians and artists at A Sanctified Art. Crossroads is grateful for this resource!

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