Let’s Go Down to the River to Pray

I was recently in a group where we were invited into a time of Centering Prayer. The host asked each of us to select a “sacred word” as a focus for this time. Of course, I chose two works: “living water.” This a significant phrase for me both inspirationally and theologically.

I grew up on the Gulf Coast and spent many summer days on the beach, both swimming in and observing the Gulf of Mexico. The expanse of the Gulf reflected for me the immensity and power of God. Its vastness spoke of God’s omnipotence and omnipresence.

In my more mature years, I have come of appreciate another source of water--mountain streams. The flowing grace of a stream with its gentle mummering, calls me to consider the intimacy of God. I accept and glory in the majesty of God, but most days I need to feel the closeness of God.

There are a couple of references that encourage me in this thought.

The Didache (a church writing circa 100–150 AD) prescribes baptism in the name of the Trinity ("Father, Son, and Holy Spirit") using "living" (running) water, preferably by immersion. If living water is unavailable, other water (cold/warm) is allowed, and in cases of scarcity, pouring water on the head three times is permitted. Please note that the first choice is “living water.” To those in the early church, evidently this held a special meaning.

Perhaps this belief is based on John 7:38. Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” The passage is a wonderful picture of what a true witness looks like. The disciple of Jesus will be immersed in Him in such a way that “rivers of living water” will flow from that person. This is a dynamic, organic picture of a witnessing life.

“Living water” has a special meaning for me. What term centers you in God?

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