Songs of the Soul: A Lent DevotionalSample

In a recent silent retreat, my spiritual director asked me a question that I wasn’t able to answer. He asked, “Albert, what do you desire?”

A simple question indeed. But it stopped me cold.

It would be easier if he asked me what I “wanted” instead. There are things that I am concerned about and I want something to address them. I thought about my family and children, my ministry and future, my health and retirement, and …. you name it.

However, what do I truly “desire”?

If all the above concerns are fully addressed, would I dare to say, “My desires are satisfied”?

The answer is a simple “No!”

It dawns on me that while all these are extremely important to me, none of them truly addresses my deepest “desire”.

During this weeklong silent retreat, I spent most of the time on Psalm 27. One day, early in the morning, I was walking under the warm sun in cold weather, memorizing and meditating on Psalm 27 as usual. This morning, God touched my heart.

As I was praying, I kept repeating the phrase “One thing have I asked of the Lord … one thing have I asked of the Lord …” (Psalm 27:4)

One thing, yes, just one thing. God, if You would only give me just this one thing!

“God, I desire to be with You.”

I desire to dwell in the House of the Lord. I desire to gaze upon the Beauty of the Lord. I desire to be in God’s Presence, to enquire of the Lord, and to seek Him in His Temple!

The prayer of Psalm 27 speaks to my deepest longing. It satisfies my soul.

After the retreat, there were some subtle changes in my spiritual life.

Now, when I think about spending time with God (praying, reading the Scripture, meditating …), it is no longer “I have to.” It becomes “I want to.”

I also gave up the idea of “What can I get out of this Quiet Time?” mentality. Instead, I simply “show up” and let God lead the time.

The biggest change is probably about my prayer. I found myself praying this all the time, “God, I know You are here, please help me notice Your Presence. Please help me see You.”

Albert Ng
Pastor

Prayer:
God, by faith I know You are here. The only problem is that sometimes I don't see You. Please help me to notice Your Presence. Please open my eyes to see You.