7 I AM Statements of Jesus

Seven ‘I Am’ Statements of Jesus

Today is really about hanging out with and getting to know Jesus using the 7 ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus as found in the Gospel of John. For some people the invitation to spend a day with Jesus may stir up some resistance, some feelings of shame, fear, or even anger that might surprise or maybe even shock the individual, while for others this invitation might release a deep internal sigh of ‘yes this is what I want, need, desire.’ The great thing is that our response is really not the crucial piece of today’s equation, for each reaction can lead us into a profound experience of interaction with Jesus and ourselves. The crucial pieces of the equation for today are our desire for God (speaking of desire, Thomas Merton says desire for desire is enough when it comes to God) and our receptiveness and openness to the leading of God throughout this day.

In order to better prepare us to enter into this retreat day let’s take a few moments to silently come before God, presenting ourselves to God, acknowledging God’s love for us, God’s faithfulness to us and God’s forever presence with us. Then let us express our desire to be present and open to God throughout this day.

In Matthew 16:13-16 Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do people say that I am” and then asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am.” The answer to Jesus’ question can reveal a lot about one’s ongoing interaction with Jesus, trust of Jesus, and the level of faith in Jesus. As we begin to more fully enter into our retreat let’s take a little time to answer Jesus’ question as if addressed to each of us personally.

Please take a moment to quiet yourself down. I will then lead the group in an imaginative prayer exercise, during which you will honestly answer to yourself Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?”, as if it was addressed to you.

As you answer this question please be aware that there are two ways in which to answer this – cognitively as well as from the heart. Please feel free to answer Jesus’ question in both of these ways, as follows:

“Who do you say I am? (Answer cognitively – this will reveal your theology.)

“Who do you say that I am?” (Answer from the heart – this will reveal your practical theology – how you live your life.)

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 1 Spend a few moments reviewing your two answers. Which was easier for you to answer – the head or heart piece? Why? What do you notice different between your two responses? Is there anything that you believe in your head about Jesus theologically and are not able to fully embrace in your heart? Why might that be?

Today the focus of our retreat will be on the 7 ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus which are all found in the Gospel of John. I believe these 7 ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus are in a sense Jesus’ answer to his own question, “Who do you say I am?” In these 7 ‘I Am’ statements Jesus is declaring who Jesus is! Therefore, these statements are truly worthy of spending time sitting with, exploring, pondering and soaking in, for they will reveal to us who Jesus is and in turn mold and shape us in such a way that we may be more fully able to enter into the abundant life (John 10:10).

It is not surprising that we find these 7 ‘I Am’ statements in John, for John declares that he has written his gospel with the expressed intention “that you may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his (Jesus) name” (John 20:31). These 7 ‘I Am’ statements are all about life, eternal life, which for John has both a present and future connotation.

One other thing I would like to point out concerning these 7 ‘I Am’ statements is not readily discernable in the English translation but is significant enough that I believe I need to make it known to you. This concerns the Greek words (‘ego eimi’) used to introduce each of the seven ‘I Am’ statements. Now let me just say that I am NOT a Greek scholar (though I know some Greek – enough to be dangerous). The usage of ‘ego eimi’ communicates that what follows is a declarative statement of the essence of the one spoken of. Thus each of these statements is not simply a general description of who Jesus is: tall, short, skinny, or heavy, but rather a profound revealing of who Jesus most truly is. But that is not all! There is something even more profound that is communicated by ‘ego eimi” (I Am). This Greek construction mirrors the same usage found in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX – the Septuagint), specifically Exodus 3, where God declares God’s name to Moses. The Greek words used in Exodus 3 are ‘ego eimi’. Thus, this ‘ego eimi’ also points to a deeper and more profound truth, namely that Jesus is God.

Therefore, Jesus’ ‘I Am’ (ego eimi) statements point to the truth of Jesus’ divinity. Leon Morris, a New Testament scholar, writes concerning the ‘ego eimi’ construction found in the Gospel of John: "When Jesus used the ‘I Am’ construction he (Jesus) was speaking in the style of deity." What Leon Morris is saying is that Jesus is using ‘ego eimi’ as a declaration of Jesus’ own divinity. The understanding that the ‘ego eimi’ construction was a declaration of Jesus’ own divinity is especially seen in Jesus’ statement “before Abraham was I Am” (‘ego eimi’), as well as in the Jews reaction to Jesus’ ‘ego eimi’ statement when they picked up stones to throw at Him (John 8:58-59). The Jews, upon hearing Jesus utter the words ‘ego eimi’ and understanding that Jesus was claiming divinity, sought to kill him on the spot!

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 2 All this serves to give us a sense that these ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus are pregnant with profound truth. I believe if you take time to sit with just one of these statements today you will be profoundly impacted and if you continue in the weeks and months ahead to take time for reflection on each of these 7 ‘I Am’ statements, much good will come to your heart, soul, spirit and mind.

Please remember today is not about trying to rush through the 7 ‘I Am’ statements but rather to discover with God which of the statements God would have you ponder, explore, meditate upon, soak in.

Today is about you and Jesus hanging out. It is not about accomplishing anything, completing something, or producing anything but instead is about being with Jesus and allowing Jesus to help you discover who He is and who you are in the process.

Now let us begin to dive into the 7 ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus, seeking to discover where God may be individually inviting each of us, challenging us, to spend our time today.

I am going to read through the 7 ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus three times. While I am reading through the ‘I Am’ statements please seek to be aware of which one or ones seem to be stirring something within you (either positively or negatively).

Remember, resistance is always an invitation and provides a doorway for divine and self discovery.

After the third reading write down the ‘I Am’ statement that seems to stir something within you: ______

Below you will find the 7 ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus. Rank them in their importance to you (at least for today) from 1 (highest) to 7 (lowest)

___I AM the Bread of Life (John 6;35,48) ___I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12) ___I AM the Door (John 10:6,9) ___I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:10) ___I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26) ___I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) ___I AM the True Vine (John 15:5)

Now take some time to consider the why behind your first choice and your seventh choice. What might this tell you about your own needs and desires in terms of your relationship with God?

In the following pages you will find a number of exercises that are designed to help you to ponder, explore and soak in the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus. DO NOT feel compelled to work through each and every question/exercise under your chosen ‘I Am’ statement. And certainly DO NOT try and get through every one of the 7 ‘I am’ statements of Jesus today!

I would suggest that today you leisurely make your way through one of the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus. Sit with it, take a meditative nap with it, take a walk with it, skip, run, jump and play with it. Take some breaks to let it seep deeper and deeper within you – to become a part of you.

Today could be the first day of spending a life-changing, heart-transforming week with your ‘I Am’ statement. Do not rush through it. Do not try to force something to happen but instead merely allow the exercises to help bring you face to face with Jesus and the ‘I Am’ statement and see what gently unfolds as the day unfolds for you.

Do take breaks, naps, sips of coffee, etc. Enjoy the spaciousness and unforced rhythms of grace that are a part of your day with Jesus.

Do journal, freely and creatively.

Do allow yourself to be surprised by God.

From time to time throughout the day spend some time (10 – 15 minutes) just being still in Jesus’ presence, reflecting on Jesus’ love for you, faithfulness to you and presence with you and allowing yourself to settle into those life-giving realities.

Questions to help you to begin to explore the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus

Getting started: Remember to take your time. The goal is not to get through the questions but rather to use the questions to help you open yourself to God. After reading a question do not immediately begin to write but instead allow some time for the question to sink into your heart, to prayerfully consider it before God. Then follow your heart and God’s leading. Maybe you will write, color, paint, dance, take a walk, a nap…there is no one right response. Once you work through a question, pause and sit with your response, giving some extra time for something else to surface. Do not rush through these questions – they can be a doorway to God, windows into your own heart.

What are the feelings/thoughts that arise within you as you ponder this ‘I Am’ statement? If you do not have any feelings that arise, why might that be? What are the invitations, promises, encouragements and/or challenges for you found in this ‘I Am’ statement?

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 4 What does this ‘I Am’ statement communicate to you regarding who Jesus is? Have you experienced Jesus in this way? If yes, take some time to recall this experience to your mind. How did it make you feel? How did it, does it, impact your life? If the answer is no, how does this make you feel? Take time to share your feelings with Jesus. Remember, be honest, even raw angry honesty with God is welcomed by God.

What are the feelings that surface within you regarding Jesus as you focus on the image of Jesus contained in this ‘I Am’ statement?

What are the needs and/or desires that this ‘I Am’ statement might meet in your life if you were fully able to carry this truth in your heart and allow it to shape and mold you?

How might your life, your relationships, your values, and your stewardship of all God has graciously given you be different if you chose to keep your ‘I Am’ statement at the forefront of your heart and mind?

As you reflect on this ‘I Am’ statement, are there feelings of disappointment, anger, frustration, confusion, hurt, or pain that arise within you? What is the ‘why’ behind these emotions? What is the impact of these emotions on your life/on your relationship with God/Jesus? Bring all this before God/Jesus through prayer, journaling, writing a letter to God, screaming at God, etc. – the means is not the important thing. What is important is that you bring all this to God.

If you are so inclined, seek to keep your ‘I Am’ statement at the forefront of your heart and mind throughout the rest of today and next week. One helpful way to do this is to develop a breath prayer that flows out of your experience with this ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus (see “Breath Prayer” in the specific ‘I Am’ section you are currently exploring). If you choose to do this, then tonight ask yourself, “What, if any, difference did this make in my interactions with myself and with others as well as in my circumstances and in the choices I made today?” Continue to do this throughout the rest of the week. You could also develop your own prayer of examen (see “Prayer of Examen” in the specific ‘I Am’ section you are currently exploring).

Once you have worked through the above questions take a walk (combining physical movement with pondering can be very powerful). While you are walking, quietly reflect on what has surfaced within you as you have spent time with your “I Am” statement. Allow this to flow into a time of praise and thanksgiving regarding who Jesus is and what Jesus means to you personally.

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 5 I AM the Bread of Life John 6:35, 48 This is one of my favorite of Jesus’ ‘I Am’ statements. Maybe it is because I enjoy food or love the smell and taste of freshly baked bread, but I hope it is more than that. When I think of bread I think of what one needs to live, to do life. To me bread speaks of provision, strength and sustenance. This is how I see Jesus, this is what I need Jesus to be. He is the bread I need to live and do life. What does bread mean to you? What comes to your mind as you playfully consider Jesus as the Bread of Life?

Read through John 6 slowly and prayerfully, asking God to guide and direct you. As you prayerfully proceed through the passage, make notations of what verses stir up something within you. Once you have finished slowly and prayerfully reading through the passage, go back over the verses that you felt some stirring around, pondering them one at a time while asking God to guide and direct you to spiritual insight and truth.

Read Exodus 16. A number of times in John 6 where Jesus states “I Am the Bread of Life “ Jesus alludes to manna which God provided to the Hebrews during their time in the wilderness. Read Exodus 16:1-36, which speaks of the manna God sent from heaven and answer the following questions:

How is Jesus like manna? How is Jesus not like manna? How is your experience with/of Jesus similar/dissimilar to the Hebrews’ experience with manna? How does knowing that Jesus is your heavenly bread given to you by God make you feel? How is Jesus your daily sustenance?

Read the excerpt from John 6 below and spend some time reflecting on the nourishment and refreshment that you daily receive from Jesus:

"I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.…So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever."

When Jesus’ followers heard the words above they where shocked and many ceased following him. What about you? What do these words of Jesus stir within you? Why? And how is Jesus the source of life each day for you – not just philosophically but practically?

Read John 6:1-15. How does this passage relate to Jesus’ statement later in the same chapter of John that Jesus is the Bread of Life?

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 6 Examine Your Life. What is it that you are seeking after to sustain you, strengthen you, and satisfy you? Ponder the words of Jesus, the Bread of Life, in John 6 as well as in the invitation from God as recorded in Isaiah:

"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." (John 6:27)

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.” (Isaiah 55:1-2)

What is your reaction to these passages? What might be the invitation/challenge from God to you in these passages?

Take some bread and see if you can find some birds to feed. If you find birds to feed, pay attention - watch how they gobble up the bread, how they eagerly seek it. How does your hunger, your seeking after Jesus compare to the eagerness and desire these birds have for this bread you freely throw out to them? What may be in your life that is suppressing your desire for Jesus or satisfying it in an artificial way?

Create a collage that expresses the truths contained in this ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus. (The 7 ‘I Am’ statements are printed on the back of the retreat booklet for you to incorporate into your collage if you so desire.)

Breath Prayer: this is a style of prayer you incorporate throughout your day as you breathe. It is typically 7 – 9 syllables. The classic breath prayer is, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into a breath prayer. Maybe something such as, “Jesus, sustain and strengthen me.” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but instead feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

Prayer of Examen: this is a tool used to help one reflect upon their day in order to help one better partner with God and be aware of how they are or are not experiencing the reality of God in their life. It usually involves a number of reflective questions. Many trace the origins of this prayer style to the prayer of David recorded in Psalm 139:23-24. Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into your own prayer of examen. Maybe ask yourself some questions such as, “When did I experience Jesus as the source of life today? When did I turn to Jesus to sustain and strengthen me? When did I experience Jesus being enough for me? When did I desire something or someone other than Jesus to sustain and/or strengthen me? Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 7 Write a letter or compose a psalm that communicates the insights and feelings your time spent pondering this ‘I Am’ statement has given rise to.

Communion. As you partake of communion take some time to prayerfully reflect on Jesus’ words below, found in John 6:

“35Jesus said to them, "I Am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst …. 50"This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51"I Am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh."….53… "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.55"For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57"As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. 58"This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever."

I really like this ‘I Am’ statement, especially when I link it to John 1:4-5 where it says, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” Jesus’ light brings life to me, a life wrapped in a mystery that darkness cannot comprehend. Jesus is my lighthouse protecting me as I journey, my greenhouse providing light for my growth, my laser bringing precise spiritual incisions to my heart and soul that promotes health and wholeness within me.

This ‘I Am’ statement is also the most challenging of the ‘I Am’ statements for me. This is because this is the only one of these statements that Jesus also attributes to his followers. In Matthew 5:14 Jesus declares that you (and me) are the light of the world - WOW!

Some Historical Background To get a sense of the significance of Jesus’ words, “I Am the light of the world”, it is helpful to have an understanding of the setting in which these words where uttered by Jesus. According to John, Jesus spoke this ‘I Am’ statement during the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths or Sukkot), an 8-day feast commemorating Israel’s time in the wilderness and God’s faithfulness. According to the ‘Jews for Jesus’ newsletter (October 1998), at the end of the first day of this feast “the Temple was gloriously illuminated.” According to the Mishnah (part of the oral tradition of the rabbis), gigantic candelabras stood within the court of the women. Each of the four golden candelabras is said to have been 50 cubits high. A cubit is somewhere between 18 and 22 inches, so we're talking about candelabras that were about 75 feet tall! Each candelabrum had four branches, and at the top of every branch there was a large bowl. Four young men bearing 10 gallon pitchers of oil would climb ladders to fill the four golden bowls on each candelabrum. The oil in those bowls was then ignited. Picture 16 beautiful blazes leaping toward the sky from these golden lamps. Remember that the Temple was on a hill above the rest of the city, so the glorious glow was a sight for the entire city to see. In addition to the light, Levitical musicians played their harps, lyres, cymbals and trumpets to make joyful music to the Lord. What a glorious celebration! The light was to remind the people of how God's Shekinah glory had once filled His Temple. "These lamps were meant to recall the great pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire that had accompanied the people during their wanderings in the wilderness.”

It was during this feast that Jesus declares, “I Am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." There are some scholars who believe that Jesus might have very well been standing by those giant candelabras when he made his proclamation.

Reflection. Take some time to imagine the scene described above. The lighting of the giant candelabras, the recalling to mind by all those attending the pillar of fire that guided the Hebrews through the wilderness to the promised land and then

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 9 Jesus’ declaration, “I Am the Light of the World.” How does this make you feel? What does this show you about who Jesus is? What does it tell you about what kind of person Jesus was? How does this make you feel toward Jesus?

Old Testament. Jesus’ statement, “I Am the Light of the World”, communicates God’s presence (the pillar of fire in the Old Testament), God protection (Exodus 14:20), and God’s guidance (Numbers 9:18).

Spend some time exploring how Jesus has or has not brought a sense of God’s presence, protection and guidance to your life. How do your reflections make you feel about Jesus? Is there one of these (presence, protection, guidance) you experience more deeply and consistently than the others? Why? Is there one you struggle with more than the other two? Why? Take some time to share your reflections and feelings with Jesus/God.

Read John 1:1-5. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

What do you learn from this passage regarding the qualities of Jesus’ light? What are the characteristics of Jesus enumerated in this passage? As you read through your list, what feelings concerning Jesus arise within you? Take some time to ponder your list and ask yourself this question: “Which of these truths do I know and which of these have I internally embraced in such a way that they impact how I live my life?” If you discover some of these truths have not made the journey from head to heart, take some time and explore why that might be. It could be that at some experiential level you do not truly believe the truths to be true. Journal and share your discoveries with God.

Read Psalm 27:1. “The LORD is light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?”

A child often receives powerful comfort from a single light that shines out in the darkness of a night. In the above passage the psalmist links the presence of God/Jesus’ light and the eradication of fear. Take a moment to look at your life – does Jesus being the Light of the World, the life-giving light of salvation take away your fears? Why/Why not?

Read Matthew 5:14. YOU (as in you and me) are the light of the world. This is the only one of Jesus’ ‘I Am’ statements that he also uses to describe his followers. What are the implications of this truth? How do you experience these words of Jesus: as a weight, an obligation, a duty, an honor, a challenge, an invitation, or …? How are you a light to the world?

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 10 Candle light station: Go to the table with the candles on it. As you come to the table focus on Jesus as the Light of the World. Spend time thanking Jesus for who he is as the Light of the World, for the life that is yours because of the light Jesus has brought to the world and to you personally. Using the Jesus candle, light your own candle. As you do so, remember that you too are a light to the world. Ask Jesus to help your light shine forth in such a way that it may help bring life to others.

Candle walk: Take a votive candle, light it and then go for a walk with it. Pay attention to how susceptible it is to going out, how powerful it is in terms of overcoming darkness. How is this candle like/ not like Jesus? How is this candle like/not like you? How do you protect the flame within that makes you the light of the world? Does your light overcome darkness or does darkness seem to overcome your light? Why?

Create a collage that expresses the truths contained in this ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus. (The 7 ‘I Am’ statements are printed on the back of the retreat booklet for you to incorporate into your collage if you so desire.)

Breath Prayer: this is a style of prayer you incorporate throughout your day as you breathe. It is typically 7 – 9 syllables. The classic breath prayer is, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into a breath prayer. Maybe something such as, “Jesus, guide me and purify me with your light” or “Jesus, you are the light of the world, shine your life through me.” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but instead feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

Prayer of Examen: this is a tool used to help one reflect upon their day in order to help one better partner with God and be aware of how they are or are not experiencing the reality of God in their life. It usually involves a number of reflective questions. Many trace the origins of this prayer style to the prayer of David recorded in Psalm 139:23-24. Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into your own prayer of examen. Maybe some questions such as, “When did I experience the life-giving light of Jesus today? How did I intentionally shine forth the light of Christ in my circumstances, relationships and choices today?” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

Write a letter or compose a psalm that communicates the insights and feelings your time spent pondering this ‘I Am’ statement has given rise to.

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 11 I AM the Door John 10:6,9 This is not one of the more popular of the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus. It seems a little strange in fact. This is the only one of the ‘I Am’ statements that is an inanimate object. Jesus is a door – that is just great! I have had a hard time really getting into this ‘I Am’ statement in the past but that has changed as I have prepared for this retreat. Upon further reflection on the image of the door and the verses that surround this verse something very beautiful and profound begins to take shape. And then when you add the first century implications of this ‘door’ metaphor, this ‘I Am’ statement becomes very insightful regarding who Jesus is and what might be some of the invitations and challenges contained in this somewhat dubious image of Jesus being a door.

So before moving forward with this ‘I Am’ statement I want to provide a historical contextualization for this door metaphor. Those who study such things tell me that the shepherd would keep their sheep in one of two types of sheep pens. The first would be a permanent pen usually constructed of stones. This pen would be fully enclosed by walls that would serve as protection for the sheep and create a sense of safety for them (which I am told is very important for sheep.) There would be one doorway into the pen. This doorway would be narrow so that the shepherd would be able to take a look at each sheep as they entered one by one. This provided the shepherd the opportunity to see each sheep and examine them while making sure each sheep had returned. Once all the sheep had entered, the door would be shut and the sheep would be safe and protected.

The second type of pen was more of a makeshift pen constructed out in the field where the sheep would be grazing for days and weeks at a time. This pen was made from whatever the shepherd could piece together. Like the other pen, it was a place that afforded the sheep a sense of protection and safety, but unlike the permanent pen this one would normally not have a door. Instead, the shepherd would lie down across the opening, becoming a sort of human door. All those desiring to enter or exit would have to pass over (through) the shepherd. It is with these twin images in mind that Jesus proclaims himself as the Door.

Read John 10:1-10. Read slowly and prayerfully through this passage. What stands out? What are you drawn to?

What do you learn from this passage regarding the qualities of Jesus as the Door? What are the characteristics of Jesus enumerated in this passage? As you read through your list, what feelings concerning Jesus arise within you? Take some time to ponder your list, asking yourself, “Which of these truths do I know and which of these have I internally embraced in such a way that they impact how I live my life?” If you discover that some of these truths have not made the journey from head to heart, take some time to explore why that might be. It could be that at some experiential level you do not truly believe the truths to be true. Journal and share your discoveries with God.

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 12 Entrance/Exit. A door can be an exit and/or an entrance. Take some time to reflect back over your life, seeking to discover how Jesus has been an entrance for you. Into what has Jesus been, or is now, a doorway for you? Then explore what Jesus has been/is a doorway out of for you?

Take time to list these new life-giving things Jesus has provided a way into for you – take time to thank Jesus for each of these, reflecting on how they have been and are impacting your life.

Now list those things that Jesus has provided an exit from for you – take time to thank Jesus for his grace in this.

The Door. Do you experience Jesus as an open door to opportunity and life or a closed door of limitation, blocking you from what you desire? Why?

Imagine Jesus as a door. What kind of door do you see Jesus being? Why? What is the significance of this door for you? What emotions does it stir up within you?

The Narrow Door. In Luke 13:24 Jesus says, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”

Think back over your experience with Jesus. How have you experienced Jesus as a narrow door or as a wide open door? Why? Has your experience of Jesus as a narrow/wide open door changed throughout the years you have journeyed with Jesus? Why/Why not?

Breath Prayer: this is a style of prayer you incorporate throughout your day as you breathe. It is typically 7 – 9 syllables (words). The classic breath prayer is, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into a breath prayer, maybe something such as, “Jesus, doorway to life, my protector and defender.” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but instead feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

Prayer of Examen: this is a tool used to help one reflect upon their day in order to help one better partner with God and be aware of how they are or are not experiencing the reality of God in their life. It usually involves a number of reflective questions. Many trace the origins of this prayer style to the prayer of David recorded in Psalm 139:23-24. Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into your own prayer of examen. Maybe ask yourself questions such as, “When did I sense an invitation from Jesus to enter into something? When did I sense Jesus providing a way of escape, an exit for me? How was I a doorway to Jesus today for those around me?” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but instead feel free to incorporate your own insights that you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 13 I AM the Good Shepherd John 10:10 This tends to be a favorite of the ‘I am’ statements. It easily portrays an involved caring of the shepherd for his sheep and can be tied to Psalm 23, which people love. As I reflect on this I do like the caring aspect of the Shepherd but I am not a big fan of the added implication of myself as a sheep. Sheep are stinky, dimwitted, easily spooked, weak, and followers even to the point of their own demise…okay so maybe it is truer than I would like to think. But the cool part for me is my Shepherd, the Good Shepherd, is willing to lay down his life for me so that I may enjoy the abundant life – that is definitely my kind of shepherd!

Read John 10:1-18. Read slowly and prayerfully through this passage. Make a list of all the characteristics of the Shepherd alluded to in this passage. What stands out, what are you drawn to? Go through your list one by one, seeking to recall to mind times you have experienced the reality of these characteristics in your life. What feelings does this elicit within you? Why? How have these experiences shaped your current relationship with Jesus? Which of the characteristics you listed of the Shepherd are most important to you at this point in your life? Why?

Recognize Shepherd’s Voice. How have you come to the place of recognizing the voice of your Shepherd? How do you hear the Shepherd’s voice? How would you describe the quality, tone, affect of the Shepherd’s voice?

Calls by Name (John 10:3). It is a common practice for the shepherd to call their sheep my name. Take a few moments or more, seeking to hear from your Shepherd if he has a special name for you – do not try to force something to happen but merely open yourself up to the possibility of hearing the voice of your Good Shepherd calling you by a name he has chosen for you. Journal about your experience.

Read 1 Peter 2:25. “For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”

Recall to mind how the Good Shepherd has searched for you, found you and been there for you. How have you experienced the Shepherd’s care for you? Allow this to lead you into a time of praise and thanksgiving.

Imagine. Jesus in the Good Shepherd that willingly chooses to lay down his life for you, his sheep. Take some time to sit and ponder the depth of the Good Shepherd’s love for you and the lengths that your Shepherd has gone to in order to lead you into the abundant life.

Psalm 23. Read slowly and prayerfully through this Psalm. Make a list of all the characteristics of the Shepherd alluded to in this passage. What stands out, what are you drawn to? Go through your list one by one, seeking to recall to mind times you have experienced the reality of these characteristics in your life. What feelings does this elicit within you? Why? How have these experiences shaped your current

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 14 relationship with Jesus? Which of the characteristics you listed of the Shepherd are most important to you at this point in your life? Why? Spend some time reflecting on what you find attractive about your Good Shepherd as presented in Psalm 23.

Create your own psalm. Drawing on the list of characteristics of the Shepherd you have put together from your time in John 10 and Psalm 23, create your own psalm. After you have finished it share it with Jesus. What was your experience of sharing your psalm with Jesus like? What was Jesus’ response to you?

Breath Prayer: this is a style of prayer you incorporate throughout your day as you breathe. It is typically 7 – 9 syllables. The classic breath prayer is, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Take some time to turn the above ‘I am’ statement of Jesus into a breath prayer, maybe something such as, “Lord Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd.” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I am’ statement but instead feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I am’ statement.

Prayer of Examen: this is a tool used to help one reflect upon their day in order to help one better partner with God and be aware of how they are or are not experiencing the reality of God in their life. It usually involves a number of reflective questions. Many trace the origins of this prayer style to the prayer of David recorded in Psalm 139:23-24. Take some time to turn the above ‘I am’ statement of Jesus into your own prayer of examen. Maybe ask yourself some questions such as, “How did I experience the provision of my Shepherd today? When did I sense Jesus leading and how did I respond?” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I am’ statement but instead feel free to incorporate your own insights that you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I am’ statement.

Write a letter or compose a psalm that communicates the insights and feelings your time spent pondering this ‘I am’ statement has given rise to.

The idea of the resurrection has always been for me a concept that I appreciate from afar. I know its importance and accept its reality in Jesus’ life but have never really given time to pondering it and sitting with it. Now, as death has touched my life, I have found a bigger draw to the truth and life sustaining power of the resurrection in general and Jesus being the resurrection in particular. And as I have spent some time in the passages below I began to discover and embrace the life-giving power and hope that this truth can birth within us.

Made Alive in Christ. Read Ephesians 2:1-5 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Spend some time thinking through your own deadness and the newness of life that is now yours in Christ. Linger there for awhile. You were dead – you are now alive. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life both for now and to come. How does your knowledge that you were dead and have now been made alive in and through Jesus impact how you live and do life? What feelings toward Jesus are kindled within you as you focus on your transformation from death to life and what it cost Jesus to bring you from death to life? Spend some time creating a psalm of thanksgiving regarding what Jesus has done for you as the Resurrection and the Life. When you are done, share your psalm with Jesus.

Resurrection. Read the following passages:

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:12 – 14)

“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33)

“Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." (Acts 23:6)

The previous verses clearly demonstrate the central place of the resurrection in the message of the early church. What about for you – how important is the resurrection? How does the truth of the resurrection impact your life? How does the truth of the resurrection impact your view of the future and your feelings toward

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 16 death? How does Jesus’ declaration, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”, impact how you live and do life? How you interact with and view death?

Power. In Philippians 3:10-11 Paul writes, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

And in Ephesians 1:18-21 Paul writes, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”

Paul associates power with resurrection and prays that he would personally experience this power. Do you experience resurrection power in your own life? Why/Why not? What would it mean to live life, do life, with a dependency on the resurrection power that is ours in Jesus?

Hope. The New Testament writers link the resurrection with hope. Read the following passages:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you…”1 Peter 1:3-4

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:18-23

“Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, ‘My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.’” (Acts 23:6)

What role does the truth of the resurrection of Jesus play in your life? Do the resurrection of Jesus and the promised resurrection of those who die/died in Christ inform your daily life? Why/Why not? Does the hope of the future resurrection, as well as all that hope leads to, establish a sense of hope within your spirit and give

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 17 you the ability to deal with the present sufferings of your life in a God-honoring and Christ-affirming way? Why/Why not? When you consider the resurrection of Jesus and the promised resurrection of all those in Christ, what emotions sir within you? Why? Does Jesus being the resurrection and the life impact how you live, how you do life? Why/Why not?

Life. What are the characteristics of the resurrected life that is yours in Jesus?

Breath Prayer: this is a style of prayer you incorporate throughout your day as you breathe. It is typically 7 – 9 syllables (words). The classic breath prayer is, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into a breath prayer. Maybe something such as, “Jesus, my source of life everlasting.” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the “I Am’ statement but feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

Prayer of Examen: this is a tool used to help one reflect upon their day in order to help one better partner with God and be aware of how they are or are not experiencing the reality of God is their life. It usually involves a number of reflective questions. Many trace the origins of this prayer style to the prayer of David recorded in Psalm 139:23-24. Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into your own prayer of examen. Maybe something such as, “When did I sense the power of God flowing through me today? How did I make use of the resurrection power of Christ today? How did my hope birthed in the resurrection of Jesus empower me to interact with my life, circumstances and others in a God honoring, Christ affirming way?” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

Write a letter, compose a psalm that communicates the insights and feelings your time spent pondering this ‘I Am’ statement as given rise to.

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 18 I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life John 14:6 This ‘I Am’ statement is, for me, the one most pregnant with insight, challenge, and invitation regarding who Jesus is and how we are to live our lives. It seems almost a summary of sorts of the other six ‘I Am’ statements – which if it is, it would have been nice of John to make it the seventh and final ‘I Am’ statement instead of the sixth!

I think this ‘I Am’ statement is worthy of spending a significant amount of time with – time to unpack and ponder Jesus as the Way, the Truth (and the freedom that brings us), and the Life. There is much here…I sense it but also feel unequipped to give you adequate exercises to help you even begin to explore what marvelous treasures are contained in this ‘I Am’ statement.

The Way. The early followers of Jesus referred to themselves as the Way (Acts 9:2, 19:9, 23, 24:14, 22). Why do you think this is? What is Jesus the Way to? How is Jesus your Way? What feelings are stirred within you as you think of Jesus as being the Way? When you think of Jesus as the Way do you think that is solely referring to salvation or might it have a greater scope than that? Why?

Walk. Take a walk using the cement sidewalk around the garden area inside the retreat center. As you take your walk, purpose to stay on the sidewalk for the entire time. As you walk, ask yourself the following: What does this sidewalk provide for me? What does this sidewalk keep me from experiencing? Am I experiencing this sidewalk as a negative and restrictive, even oppressive, reality or am I experiencing the sidewalk as good and helpful and as an aid to my journey? Why? How does your experience of the sidewalk mirror your experience of walking in the Way of Jesus and how does it differ from it?

Now imagine that this sidewalk is the Way of Jesus, a Way you are called or invited to walk. As you walk on this Way, what feelings are stirred within you toward Jesus regarding your own experience of walking on the Way? Share your feelings with Jesus as they arise within you. Use your walk as a prayer time with Jesus, talking about the Way your life is, the Way God is leading you, the smooth or rough Way in/through which you are currently walking.

The Way of Jesus. What would you say would be the essential elements, characteristics, and truths that form the foundation of the Way Jesus lived? (Try to come up with seven.) Now look at the list as an invitation to you from Jesus to make each one of these a part of your life. As you do so, what are the feelings that each of these evoke within you? Why? As you read through the list, ask yourself, “Do I associate freedom or un-freedom with each of these? Why?

Do you desire to walk in the Way of Jesus? Why/Why not?

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 19 Truth. Read John 8:31-32; …Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

What are the freedoms you have experienced as you have embraced Jesus (freedoms for/freedoms from)?

What are the freedom-producing truths of Jesus that you have chosen to build your life upon (list seven of these truths…)? Once you have completed your list, go back and rank your list. When you are done with that, take time to ponder each of the freedom-producing truths of Jesus that you have chosen, asking yourself: Why is this truth so important to me? What is the freedom(s) that this truth, when I embrace it, lead to? As I reflect on this truth and its associated freedoms, what feelings are evoked within me? How much daily impact does this truth really exert over my life? Why? What do I lose when I am not able or choose not to live my life empowered by this truth? What un-freedom do I enter into? What is the price my soul pays as I allow it to be imprisoned?

Freedom. What do you think is the ultimate freedom(s) that the Truth of Jesus allows us to enter into and live out of?

Life. What are the essential components of ‘the Life’ Jesus has provided for you both now and to come? As you look back over your life, have the components you would list in answer to the previous question changed? Why/Why not? As you look at ‘the Life’ that is yours right now, in this season of your life, what feelings arise within you? Are they mostly negative or positive feelings? Why? Share your feelings with God and see where they and God take you.

Take some time and see if you are able thank God for ‘the Life’ you have had, now have, will have. Which is easier for you to be thankful for? Which is harder? Why?

Prayer. Below is an ancient prayer by Erasmus that sought to incorporate this ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus. Take some time to slowly read over the words, allowing yourself to linger with those words that strike a cord within you. After you are done reading through the prayer and if this prayer does in fact communicate your heart and/or desires of your heart, take some time to pray the prayer to God.

“O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the Way, the Truth and the Life, we pray thee suffer us not to stray from thee, who art the Way, nor distrust thee who art the Truth, nor to rest in any other thing than thee who art the Life. Teach us, by thy Holy Spirit, what to believe, what to do, and wherein to take our rest.”

Breath Prayer: this is a style of prayer you incorporate throughout your day as you breathe. It is typically 7 – 9 syllables (words). The classic breath prayer is, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 20 of Jesus into a breath prayer. Maybe something such as, “Jesus, you are my way, my truth and my life.” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

Prayer of Examen: this is a tool used to help one reflect upon their day in order to help one better partner with God and be aware of how they are or are not experiencing the reality of God is their life. It usually involves a number of reflective questions. Many trace the origins of this prayer style to the prayer of David recorded in Psalm 139:23-24. Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into your own prayer of examen. Maybe something such as, “How did I follow Jesus’ way, living out the truth that is Jesus today? How free was I today to be who Jesus created me to be? What promoted this ability to be free today? What hindered my ability to be free?” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 21 I AM the True Vine John 15:5 This ‘I Am’ statement, along with the Bread of Life, stand as my favorite of the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus. Like the bread, this speaks to me of life and that which sustains life. Also, as I think of Jesus as the True Vine and myself as the branches, it speaks to me of freedom, an invitation not to do but to be – to abide or make my home in Jesus, the True Vine. Also, and quite paradoxically, in Jesus’ words associated with this ‘I Am’ statement, “Apart from me you can do nothing”, I find comfort and an affirmation of what I know to be true. Jesus is the True Vine, bringing all I need to live and do life, and without this ongoing source of life I am doomed.

Vine and Branches. Spend time reflecting on the image of Jesus being the vine and you being the branches. What comes to mind as you ponder Jesus being the vine? What are the promises regarding health, vitality and life that are contained in Jesus being the vine? What are the truths contained in your identity as a branch? As you reflect on the connectivity inherent in the imagery of Jesus as the vine and you as the branches, what are the feelings and thoughts that are stirred within you?

False Vines. If Jesus is the True Vine, the implication is that there are false vines that we can be connecting to and abiding in. Take some time to look at your own life and ask yourself, “What false vines am I currently connected to? What is keeping me connected to these false vine(s)? What would it take to sever my connection? What would be lost? What would be gained?”

Apart from Christ you can do nothing. Do you believe this? Take some time to look at the following passages that speak of Jesus’ own dependency on God:

John 4:34, 5:19, 30, 6:38, 8:28, 12:49, 14:10

As you read through these verses, what feelings are stirred within you? What feelings does the truth concerning your need for Christ, your dependency on Christ, evoke within you? Do you live with an ongoing awareness of your need for Jesus? Why/Why not? If it is true and you believed that apart from Jesus you could do nothing, what would be the implications for you and how you live life? How might your life be different?

With Jesus. Now take time to reflect upon these corollary truths from Scripture: Luke 1:37, “For nothing is impossible with God” and Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”. What feelings stir within you as you ponder these truths? Do you believe these truths? Why/why not? If you answered yes, what can you point to regarding how you live your life that would validate your answer? If you do not believe these truths, explore why not and share this with God. If you do not believe this (intellectually, emotionally, practically), explore why and then share your thoughts and feelings about this with God.

Flower. Find a flower that has been removed from its plant – what do you notice? How is this like your life when you are apart from the True Vine?

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 22 Connection. Jesus as the True Vine encourages us to "Live, abide, remain and make your home in me.” The idea seems to be that there needs to be an ongoing connectedness between the individual and Jesus. In light of that and the words of Jesus, “remain in me”, what are the practices you put into your life that help you to maintain your connectedness to Jesus? Spend some additional time exploring with God what other things you could add or subtract from your life that would foster greater connectivity with Jesus.

Breath Prayer: this is a style of prayer you incorporate throughout your day as you breathe. It is typically 7 – 9 syllables (words). The classic breath prayer is, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into a breath prayer. Maybe something such as, “Jesus, apart from you I can do nothing.” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the “I Am’ statement but feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

Prayer of Examen: this is a tool used to help one reflect upon their day in order to help one better partner with God and be aware of how they are or are not experiencing the reality of God is their life. It usually involves a number of reflective questions. Many trace the origins of this prayer style to the prayer of David recorded in Psalm 139:23-24. Take some time to turn the above ‘I Am’ statement of Jesus into your own prayer of examen. Maybe something such as, “How did I draw strength from Jesus today? When did I depend on Jesus for what I needed today? How did I do at staying connected to Jesus today? What helped? What hindered me in this?” Do not feel constrained to use the actual words of the ‘I Am’ statement but feel free to incorporate your own insights you have discovered as you have spent time with this ‘I Am’ statement.

© 2010 by Larry Warner of b. (www.b-ing.org). All rights reserved. 23 I AM the Bread of Life (John 6;35,48) I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12) I AM the Door (John 10:6,9) I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:10) I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26) I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) I AM the True Vine (John 15:5)

As you read through the seven ‘I Am’ declarations of Jesus, is there anything that is not listed that you would have thought would/could have been? If so, what might that be? Why?

Use of the I Am statements in Prayer

What is the overarching theme contained in the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus?

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28

What do you see as the characteristics of eternal life, the abundant life that Jesus makes available to you?

What are the present implications of this life? What are the future aspects of this life?

How does the reality of the life Jesus has made available to you impact how you live, do life, an what you expect from life?

I encourage you to continue to expand on what you began today.

Spend next week with the ‘I Am ‘statement you focused on today, seeking to make use of the breath prayer and prayer of examen you designed based on your ‘I Am’ statement. If you have not done this, that could be the starting place for you this week. Revisit the questions and exercises you have interacted with and those you have not. Seek to enter into your ‘I Am’ statement each morning, evening, and throughout your day using your breath prayer and prayer of examen. You could make your ‘I Am’ statement your screen saver, the wallpaper on your computer or phone, and/or write it on a post-it note and put it on the mirror you use to get ready for a new day in the morning and ready for bed at night. As you make the ‘I Am’ statement a part of your life you will more and more discover its truth impacting how you live, see life, and do life and you will gain greater insight concerning who you are and who Jesus is in the process

When you feel it is time to move on, you can move to the next ‘I Am’ statement to which you feel drawn and work your way through the exercises associated with that statement. Then repeat this process with each of the remaining ‘I Am’ statements.

This will provide for you at least seven weeks of spiritual focus and hanging out time with Jesus. And if you employ the breath prayer and prayer of examen, this is not just a once a day event but will infuse and form the rest of your day as well as your heart, soul, and spirit.

Let the day be a gift to you with no expectations. God is with you even if you do not “feel” like God is with you. Scripture makes it clear that there is no place where God is not present. So even if you do not “feel” God’s presence by faith accept the truth of Scripture that God is present, settle into and rest in God and in God’s presence.

Offer yourself to God just as you are in this moment. Actually, that is all you can do. Do not think or believe that you must somehow be different, have a different story or need to clean yourself up before you can come to God. This is untrue. The best you can do is to offer yourself to God right now just as you are in the moment. God will meet you were you are at…that is the only place God can meet you.

Here are some simple suggestions to help you during the silent alone times:

o Receive the beauty of this place as a gift from God. Sink into the surroundings. Sink into God.

o The exercises will give you material upon which you can reflect and meditate. Gently reflecting upon this material may give you inspiration(s) from the Holy Spirit (by “gently” we mean without expectation or demand upon yourself).

o Allow these resources to assist you as you offer yourself to God today.

o Experiment with different ways of capturing your experience with God. Make use of the various art supplies available in our meeting room. Sometimes color and images can capture what our mere words cannot.

o Remember to give attention to and explore your feelings. Pay attention to your positive and negative feelings. It is often as you bring you’re negative feelings (areas of resistance) before God that you will discover the most about yourself and God.

o Strive to capture your experiences with God (journaling, art…) so you can continue to explore these experiences long after the retreat is over.

o You might just need to slow down and take a nap with God today. If God’s leads you in this way fight the urge to resist this invitation but gratefully enter into your divinely ordained nap time.

Today is about slowing down and allowing yourself to be caught by God. Today is about moving from head to heart – moving from a cognitive knowing to participatory and experiential knowing.