Anointing
Fiona Reynolds
March 22, 2023
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Psalm 23: 4-5 (NLT)
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
The Reformed tradition of the Church of Scotland does not have a rich history of anointing people. This is in contrast with other denominations which regularly anoint people: at baptism, confirmation, ordination, when sick, and when dying. It is not something I know much about, but I do know that when people are very ill or approaching death, I lament the lack of this gentle and hospitable act of blessing from my own tradition. When we are unable to process words or converse, this use of touch and smell must be deeply powerful.
Today, I invite you into your imagination. Sit for a moment with something that is troubling you or causing you pain. Now imagine God reaching out and stroking your head: touching you tenderly and reverently. Feel the calming caress of the oil on your skin and the scent filling your nostrils. Know yourself loved beyond measure and precious in God’s sight.
PRAYER:
In the darkness night,
in the deepest valley,
in the midst of all that would do me harm,
I acknowledge your loving presence, dear God:
grant me your peace, AMEN.
Lent Disciplines
LENT FOCUS 4: PASTURE
This week our focus is ‘pasture’. See if you can find time each day this week to read Psalm 23 and reflect on the imagery it contains. Consider what verses you will carry with you for the rest of the day. You could even try memorising some or all of the verses.
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