Windows of the Soul
East Window

This page contains a Bible reading, prayers and a meditation for the East Window, part of the Windows of the Soul series.

The prayers on this page are adapted from the Iona Abbey Worship Book. The meditation section draws on material from “Spirituality Workbook” by David Runcorn, published in 2006 by SPCK, London.

Jesus taught:

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6 vv9-13

God, in whose heart is love and justice,

Show me who we must love,

And what we should challenge or change

In order that Your will on Earth be done.

Increase our hope,

Dispel our apathy;

Inspire our imagination,

Deepen our commitment;

Until we become the signs of your kingdom

For which we and others pray.

Jesus, you have set before us great hope
That your kingdom will come on earth,
You have taught us to pray for its coming.

Make is ready to celebrate
The signs of its dawning,

And to pray and work for the perfect day,

When your will be done

As it is in heaven.

Lord Jesus, you are within each of us,
It is our own inner being you have renewed.

We are your temple not made with human hands;
We are your body

So we pray,

That you will open our eyes to what is coming,
Confirm in us the truth by which we should rightly live.

Amen

Meditation on the East Window of the Soul

Face the East Window

In our culture, we associate the east with beginnings. It’s where the new day begins everywhere on the Earth. The word ‘east’ comes to us via words linked to the word ‘dawn’.

The Garden of Eden was placed in the East, a place representing close fellowship with God. However, after sinning, Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden, being exiled in an easterly direction.

But God sent His son Jesus to show us the way back; ‘east’ is also the root word of ‘Easter’.

“…the new is here!” 2 Cor 5.17

The book of Revelation uses the symbolism of the bright morning star that appears in the east to herald the coming dawn.

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.

I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.

Revelation 22.16

Allow all the above thinking to symbolise the light of the Holy Spirit shining into your soul, asking yourself: What is new in my life?

Lord, if I am going to enter into change, then I pray for wisdom, honesty and the prompting of your Holy Spirit as I reflect upon this.

There will now follow three questions. Allow time to reflect on each of them.

1. What is new and starting to rise above the horizon in my life?

2. Are there things I should be celebrating and welcoming?

3. Are there things emerging that I find it daunting?

This ends the period of meditation.

If anything spoke to you, revisit it later for further reflection. And do please share with trusted friends anything you consider appropriate.

Closing prayers

Lord Jesus, we thank you for these words,
Which summon us and give us life:

Don’t be afraid.
You are forgiven.
I call you friends.
Come and follow me.

Amen.

Revelation 22.17

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”

And let the one who hears say, “Come!”

Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

A Prayer Of Commitment

Into your hands we commit ourselves, Lord Jesus.

For your holding
Your directing
Your inspiring
Your perfecting

Into your hands we commit ourselves

Bless us with your power to heal, Lord Jesus.

Help us to be liberators and those who challenge.

Bless us with your Holy Spirit

Within us and amongst us.