Missionary Renegade: The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, 15 March 2015

Sunday, March 15, 2015

The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, 15 March 2015

The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, 15 March 2015
. . . they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. [Psalm 107:19]

A Cry for Mercy [An excerpt from Henri Nouwen's A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genessee]
O Lord, this holy season of Lent is passing quickly. I entered into it with fear, but also with great expectations. I hoped for a great breakthrough, a powerful conversion, a real change of heart; I wanted Easter to be a day so full of light that not even a trace of darkness would be left in my soul.
But I know that you do not come to your people with thunder and lightning. Even St. Paul and St. Francis journeyed through much darkness before they could see your light. Let me be thankful for your gentle way. I know you are at work. I know you will not leave me alone. I know you are quickening me for Easter - but in a way fitting to my own history and my own temperament.
I pray that these last three weeks, in which you invite me to enter more fully into the mystery of your passion, will bring me a greater desire to follow you on the way that you create for me and to accept the cross that you give to me. Let me die to the desire to choose my own way and select my own desire. You do not want to make me a hero but a servant who loves you.
Be with me tomorrow and in the days to come, and let me experience your gentle presence. Amen.

Our Lenten Book Discussion Continues!
Join us during Lent as we reflect on Henri Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son: A

Story of Homecoming. Facilitated by Brynn Lawrence and Ray Glennon. You are welcome to participate in any way that is spiritually nourishing for you!
READ * REFLECT * SHARE
Excerpt from A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee, Copyright © 1981 Henri J.M. Nouwen. Published by Doubleday. Used with kind permission of the publisher. Scripture quotation from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Photo of Henri Nouwen by Frank Hamilton. Used with kind permission. Banner image by Sharon Sheehan; used with kind permission.
Additional Lenten Reading
Life of the Beloved
Walk with Jesus
Finding My Way Home
A Spirituality of Homecoming
Home Tonight
A Wondrous Love
The Return of the Prodigal Son
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