Ablutions

In our house we have a hygiene routine that we refer to as ablutions, a term we picked up from the esteemed Dr. Sheldon Cooper.  You might think it is merely doing your business in the bathroom each morning and night, but for us it has a spiritual component and a ritual that is both centering and consecrating.

Ablutions (a ceremonial act of washing parts of the body or sacred containers)

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

As we work through our cleaning routine we meditate on these things:

Hands:  Consecrate my hands to serve, give and be clean and pure in motive

Shower:  Cleanse me from all unrighteousness, create in me a clean heart

Shave/ Facial care:  Remove any fleshly growth or blemish- sculpt me

Ears: Guard my hearing from deception, lies of Satan, or gossip

Hair: Fill me with your Holy Spirit, let it cover my mind

Junk:  Purify my sexual being

Face/ eyes:  Protect me from temptation, greed, envy, and lust for things of this world

Teeth/mouth: Filter my words with love, fill me with praise, acceptance and encouragement

Feet:  Guide my steps, keep me from wandering, show me the way to walk a different path

Nose: Let my life be a fragrant offering (deodorant, mouthwash and cologne)

Morning prayer:  Thank you for this day, Lord.  I welcome you in to my every activity today, have your way, guide me, teach me and prompt me.

At night:  Thank you Lord, for this day.  Show me where you were at work today and help me learn and consider where I failed or missed opportunities as a learning experience.  Forgive me for my sins and show me where I need to be forgiving people before my head hits the pillow.