The Aramaic Prayer of Jesus
"To become holy in an Aramaic sense then means to create separate space for whatever becomes the pivot of our lives, the axis on which our universe turns. In this way, we clarify the essence of our being so that we can find our unique place in the cosmic Unity."
~ Neil Douglas-Klotz
The Hidden Gospel, p. 56. Used by permission of Quest Books/Theosophical Society
Clearing Space for the Divine
By Rev. Elizabeth A. Reed, Ph.D. with Neil Douglas-Klotz
The second line of the
Aramaic Lord's Prayer
is traditionally translated as "Hallowed be Thy Name." In the context of the Prayer, have you ever consider the meaning of the word translated as "hallowed" to mean creating more sacred spaciousness in your life?
If your bookshelves are full, there is no space for new books. If your closets are full, there is no room for new clothes. If your mind and heart and emotions are full of chaos and clutter from daily activities and unresolved experiences, there is little space for the Divine Light to shine within and through.
Today's message is a reminder that you must clear space within yourself for Sacred Unity's purpose for your life to be focused and fulfilled.
Aramaic Words and Meanings
"nethqadash" has the essential meaning of clearing space.
The Aramaic "qadash" relates to the Hebrew "qaddosh" and the Arabic "quddus" --- all point to letting go of excess clutter, a clearing out, finding a center space for connection with Divine Unity. You may recognize the similarity between the Hebrew words "qaddosh" and "kosher" --- as they share the same root. You are familiar with the fact that foods that are kosher are those that have been "set apart" or "blessed." Clearing space and setting apart for the purpose of Divine connection is a theme that can be found throughout many sacred traditions.
In praying the second line of Yeshua's prayer, questions and challenges are raised...
What would it take for you to do this in your life today?
What specifically needs to be cleared out? Consider this at all levels of life: your mind, beliefs, emotions, relationships, home, material possessions, personality traits, habits, time and schedule, volunteerism?
What unnecessary clutter and chaos in your physical space needs to be addressed?
What a wonderful feeling it is to clear out things from our lives!
Just to clean out a closet or cupboard or garage brings a feeling of release. An even greater release comes with clearing out old emotional baggage or outdated notions of who you (or others) are. While this clearing is a necessary practice to do on a regular basis, there is that time when you might learn truly to "pray without ceasing." At that time, you have reached that state of spiritual practice where no designated space or time is necessary --- for all times and all places are lived in conscious connection with Divine Unity. In the meantime, work with clearing and "letting go" in your life.
Copyright © 2004 - 2008 Elizabeth A. Reed & Neil Douglas-Klotz. All rights reserved.
What will you clear out or release this month?
Make a symbolic gesture and commitment by sharing with the rest of us here.
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