10. The Lion Roars

Respite Retreat: imaginative prayers of respite on the journey with God.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4 :6

To read in sequence go back to the first chapter 1. Respite Retreat (link below).

Settle into a quiet space and turn your attention to God and to your heart. Take a moment to ask God to meet you in this imaginative prayer.

My brother and I walk down the old stone hallway. We just dropped off my laundry bag in the washroom, and my brother will tend to it for me. Despite my reluctance to relinquish my laundry, all I feel now is relief. My filthy, dirty clothes were evidence of my needs, my failure, and the wear and tear of the trail, but all my brother asked of me was surrender and trust. I am still humbled by his gentle, restorative care. He extends mercy and grace to me, again and again.

It is almost time for dinner, and we are headed back to the café to meet Pop. As we walk down the great hallway, I scan artwork of all sorts and styles hanging between the sconces along the walls. They are beautiful, interesting, and thought-provoking, but one painting snags my attention. I stop—my movement arrested by the energy and authority in the image.

As my brother hears the steady cadence of my footsteps cease, he pauses and turns toward me. He finds me transfixed by an evocative, vivid painting in an ornate golden frame. My expression displays a mixture of awe, wonder, and maybe, a little fear, as I gaze at the image. He lifts his eyes to the painting.

A large roaring lion emerges from the darkness: powerful, determined, fearless... asserting authority and dominion. My response is visceral. I am drawn, and yet, cautious... hesitant before the commanding image. I have no words.

My brother speaks into the pause, “What are you feeling?” His gentle question invades the thick silence. Time stands still... and the moments slip by. A word rises in me... and it startles me. “Uh, well, this can’t be right, but... the word that rises in me is... ‘longing.’” I turn to my brother, feeling confused but profoundly drawn to the majestic portrait on the wall.

Something flashes in my brother’s eyes, something strong, intrepid, glorious even. I feel the air move, and I know Ruah is present. Under my breath I whisper it again, softly, “longing.” And tears rise. There is a heaviness in the air, not oppressive but weighty. A faint roar echoes in the hall, and I wonder if perhaps I imagined it. But something expands within me...

My brother reaches out and places both of his hands on my shoulders. The light around us grows brighter, and he seems even taller in the moment. His voice is low but vibrating with energy. “The Lion of Judah is worthy, he holds all authority given by God the Father, Sovereign, Omniscient and Omnipresent One. I am here, daughter. All that is wrong will be made right, the wounded will be healed, the oppressed will receive justice, and the repentant will be forgiven and restored. Evil will be judged and condemned.”

I feel the powerful energy alive within him, shining through his eyes and felt in his touch. I sense his holy restraint, for there is a power, a righteousness and goodness that if unleashed just might consume me, break through stone walls, dance upon clouds, and reach beyond stars and galaxies.

A hand is placed on my back, and I realize that Pop stands with us and his other hand rests on my brother. The warmth and kindness I have experienced with Pop are not absent, but there is an authoritative presence, glory even, in this moment. And I feel really small.

Time stands still. Eternity is present. And then... I realize that I am trembling, and I clench my hands together, attempting to still them. And the longing remains.

Turning from my brother and Pop to the painting again, I wonder... what am I being invited to see and to know... to understand. Something more of this Triune God. Something of God’s glory and justice... an awareness of God’s goodness... aligned and rooted in his love, but powerful and majestic.

And a strong gust of wind blows through the middle of the hallway, the artwork rattles against the wall, the lights flicker, and the Lion roars.

"What are you feeling?"

Scripture

“At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place. Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth. After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back.God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.

Job 37:1-5

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A simple guidebook to lead you through a personal retreat, framework to engage God.