A Pilgrimage of Ascent

This was no ordinary trip. It was a journey to a sacred and holy place. It may be long or hard, but the Jews were filled with fervent devotion. They were intentional and purposeful. The Jews set out on a pilgrimage. Imagine their hearts -- those who had been exiled, cast out, captives...were now set free. Free to come home. Free to worship. Free to feel and live. What do you talk about on those long journeys? The Jews brought to mind the activity and faithfulness of God. It was a time of teaching -- for rabbis and students, for parents to teach their children. As they traveled, they chanted the Psalms of Ascent.

I took my first pilgrimage through the Psalms of Ascent (120-134) in the summer of 2005. I wasn't really sure what God had in mind for me there. A friend had told me about it from a Beth Moore conference she had attended. It was a new concept for Beth Moore to give a homework assignment to her conference attendees, and she too wondered what God had in mind for it. I embarked on this journey that God had brought to me.

The starting instructions were to write where we are presently in our journey with God. Describe the present season and our spiritual condition in the midst of it. (Is it a season of personal renewal for you? Doubt? Difficulty? Suffering? Loss? Loneliness? Numbness? Articulate both the joys and the difficulties of the present season.) From there, you climb (ascend, hence the name psalms of "ascent") one psalm a day, numbers 120-134. They are short psalms, memorized and chanted on the pilgrimage for the Jews going to Jerusalem.

I was amazed at what poured out of me onto those pages. There was so much to reflect on and journal about. Some days more so than others, but I felt a sense of freedom in being able to express some of the things in my heart. I typed out reflections, prayers, dialogues with God over His Word as it specifically spoke to my condition or circumstance.

Beth Moore encouraged the women to deliberately seek an ascent in our own lives. Relating to the Jews' pilgrimage in a spiritual sense, we seek a higher, closer walk in our journey with God. We were instructed to begin each day facedown. Joshua fell facedown and asked God to speak a fresh word or direction over his life (see Joshua 5:14). Moses and Aaron fell facedown and saw a fresh glimpse of God's glory (see Numbers 20:6). It is a sense of humility where the way up is down.

After reading and meditating on the psalm for that day, you listen to what God is saying personally to you. Let God speak over your present circumstances and concerns, needs and obstacles. As you let Him guide you through, Beth taught that God may address, tend to, heal, or convict you lovingly and pointedly in areas where you might be "stuck". Journal out what He is saying to you, what He brings to mind, and your response to Him. Pour out your heart to Him and express it.

This process was incredibly meaningful for me. I wrote a Bible Study entitled Walking with God, in which there were focused journal prompts. After studying scriptures around a certain topic for the week, there was opportunity to reflect and write about how our hearts respond to it personally. It is very relational and intentional. The response from those in the class was that many hadn't journaled before, or even knew where to begin. Some shared that after they quieted their heart, they started typing and typing -- so much poured out they didn't even anticipate how powerful it was for them.

I wonder if our hearts are willing to go there. What if God Himself beckons us on a pilgrimage of our own? Can we find the time in our day to slow down and reflect with Him through scripture? It can be both healing and life-changing.

I just want to offer this pilgrimage through the Psalms of Ascent if anyone wants to try it. I can e-mail you some notes that will help guide your journal time. It might be a great time of growth and intimacy in our walk with God. I am going through it again for my quiet times right now and I just wanted to share the blessing.

Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5