God's mercy endures forever

From Christian Healing Blog volunteer contributor and friend, Maria Gullo

"It rained on the last day of retreat

As if freedom could be more free.

God poured down grace on me.

Through beautiful rays of golden light.

Through the canopy of trees.

From heaven into my soul.

Engulfed in prayer, the moment came unannounced.

Like the gentle summer breeze, that brushed across my face.

From the page of scripture, leapt the words “forgive them.”

And like the water cascading through the fountain

Came the names and faces I had hidden away.

I was ready

Invited by the Silence

Held secure by the Stillness

Ready, to look deep into my heart.

Now with clarity and understanding.

The resentments once hidden by reason and rightness

Reflected back at me.

“It is time.” He said.

And I knew what was mine to do.

No grand gestures of humility expected.

Just acceptance for a lifetime of wounds.

As I wrote down each name and saw each face,

These words came.

I release you from my resentment - I forgive you, God bless you.

I continued my litany of forgiveness, seeing each person.

Realizing how even the slightest resentment

Hid secretly, deep in my heart.

“It is time.” He said.

“There is no one left.”, I replied.

Then glancing down I saw my reflection in the water.

And I knew.

It was time and I was ready.

Readied by the beautiful work of prayer

Readied by the sacred space carved by Silence.

Readied by the presence of My Beloved.

Ready to receive the grace to forgive myself.

And the mercy offered.

As if freedom could be more free"

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Rev. Maria Gullo, MSPC,  is a Spiritual Director and founder of The Deeper Connection an ecumenical Christian ministry.  Maria has been teaching Contemplative Christian Spirituality and prayer practices for over 20 years. She teaches throughout the United States leading workshops, retreats, Contemplative Prayer Gatherings and Worship Experiences. Maria creates cd’s and digital recordings of contemplative prayers and meditations for her more than 53,000 listeners on Insight Timer, a mobile meditation app. She is commissioned by Contemplative Outreach as a Centering Prayer Presenter and is a certified Integrative Health Coach. thedeeperconnection.org insighttimer.com/mariagullo