Lent | Contemplative Photography Reflection

Wednesday marks the beginning of a new liturgical season: Lent. It is a season of waiting, of longing, of loss. It is a season of lament. Lent gives us space to grieve, to let go, to exist of the tension of already and not yet with Jesus. 

Below is an image, followed by instructions, to help you engage and process and connect prayerfully with Jesus as you open to the places of your heart and life where you feel tugs of grief and yearning.

Peace as you enter this sacred space.

Begin in a quiet place...

• Begin to slow your breath, and ask Jesus to open your heart, mind, and eyes to see where he is leading you today. Settle in here for 2-3 minutes.
• Observe the photo for a about 5-minutes. Notice what stands out to you. See the colors, textures, patterns, rhythms.
• Notice for about 10-minutes, with the image, while you ask yourself and Jesus: Where are you drawn, or resistant in this image? 
  
• Reflect on what comes up. It may be a relationship you're in, a situation you're apart of, or a feeling. Jesus may be leading you to any part of your life or heart, so don't quickly disregard something as "too small" or "irrelevant." Journal what comes up.
• Respond to Jesus from what he has revealed for the next 5-minutes. Express how you feel about what came up (perhaps excited, or scared, or angry) until there are no more words or feelings left to express.
• As you conclude, take the last 5-minutes to breathe and exhale deeply. As you exhale relax your shoulders, your neck, your arms and legs. You may also pray with each breath a short prayer, like: "Lord Jesus (inhale), have mercy on me (exhale)."

How did it go? What surprised you? Where were you led?