Battle of Wills

The Lenten journey is a journey of letting go of the inflated ego, and receiving a softened soul that is receptive to the will of the Divine. A wrestling match to be sure.

I have ideas and opinions and things I have studied and feel like I have a grasp on. I have a lifetime of working hard to formulate a sort of rule of life, so change is hard, to say it quite plainly. Within this is what is known as Confirmation Bias, where our brains tend to receive information that already aligns with what we believe and think to be true, and will initially reject anything that demands deeper and more thorough thinking. To think twice about something is not easy, so we bend towards a “no thank you” to the invitation.

So this season of Lent is challenging, because it is rooted in working out the ego, calling out that which may be a very long held belief, understanding, or way of life. This might lead to a good bit of unlearning, which can be a painstaking endeavor.

So, as I am reading about the students of Jesus coming to him and asking to be taught how to pray, I pause the reading and whisper, “Walk slowly into this, because this will likely invite some unlearning or deeper learning.”

Jesus said to them, “When you pray, this is how you should speak, “ ‘Father, holy is your reputation, which holds your name, may your kingdom be manifested and your will be done on earth as it is in the heavenly realm…” ‘

The will of the Divine is of first importance, because it is a will of wholeness, completeness, and of everlasting goodness. The Divine will is not empty calories and escape, but it’s the consummate meal that fills and fulfills every need.

What a prayer, “Your will be done.”

Which means the prayer is not the Republican’s or Democrat’s will. Not America’s will. Not my tribe’s or club’s or family’s or company’s will.

The Divine will is the prayer. I believe this changes and shapes everything. And as my salty ego is dug out, in order to make room for the sweet goodness of life, I bless the Divine for faithfully healing the now exposed wound.

Holy One, may Your will be done in this day, as it is done in the restored and forever realm. Amen.