People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross … [Read more...]
Deep Pockets
Letting go and surrendering to God is difficult, especially for people like me who have a strong urge to remain in control. Not only do I have control issues, but also throughout my life I have leaned heavily and even been proud of my independence.“No I don’t need any help.”“I can do it myself.” “I can do it all.”One prayer practice that has helped me yield my ego to God is using my imagination: I place into God’s hands whatever circumstance is troubling me. I give Him my concerns and fears. I visualize placing those I pray for into His loving care.Not that this isn’t always easy. I reach out with shaking hands, open them slowly, and, to be honest, with great hesitation, let go. And not only once, but over and over again, giving God everything in prayer.Hard lesson to learn.But the other day, God stretched me even further.I heard Him whisper, “Empty your pockets.”Like watching a movie, I reached into my pants pockets, turning them inside out and spilling the hidden contents – long ago … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Practice of Astonishment
“It's possible that our primary role as humans is that of celebration. We have this destiny - and even duty - to become astonished by the universe!"—Physicist Brian Swimme.Pegge Bernecker’s words in the current issue of Listen caused me to pause and think about the role of astonishment and wonder in my life. She writes:"Why would it be valuable to cultivate the contemplative practice of astonishment? My intuition and experience inform me that our willingness to become astonished by someone or something develops compassion, integrity, kindness, creative action, forgiveness, and a heightened ability to be fully human, fully alive. I learn—maybe you do too—that when we become astonished, we:· Let go of preconceived ideas and patterns of thinking· Allow the present moment to interrupt the past and future· Engage our senses· Nurture alertness· Trust unknown possibility, mystery· Grow laughter and delight· Engage· Discover unimaginable reality· … [Read more...]
Holding my Head Up – Lectio Divina
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. Psalm 3:3 (NLT)The one who holds my head highYes, hold my head up, LordI walk around with my head lowered in shame My head heavy with shame from my sins and failure to obey.Lowering my head in humble realization who I am and who You really are.My chin touching my chest aching with battle fatigue from the world’s demands.Bu You, Lord, rescue me.You come to me – You wrapped your loving arms around me You provide strength and protection You hold my head up high.You tell me don’t be ashamed.You reassure me I am Your childAnd nothing will come between us.Not by my strength Not by my power, Not by my will But You, Only You.You, Lord, hold my head high as a child of God. … [Read more...]
A Prayer by Joyce Rupp – Quote of the week
A Prayer to Be Free From Tizzies*Dear God,you who did not invent tizzies,be with me when I get caughtin the wild worrying of my mind,and the needless scurrying aroundin my fearful heart.Trip me up when I fret and stewso I can see the trap of tizzies,with their schemes to keep mebunched up in stress and strain.Let me fall headfirst into the truthof your never-ending presence,wrap your kind arms around meand calm my doubts and fears.Shout loudly in my spiritual earwhen my nerves get knotted,my mind feels cramped,and my stomach screams.It may be difficult,but do try to get my full attention,because tizzies are not healthy,and they definitely chase peaceout the front door of my heart.Dear God, you did not invent tizzies,I did,and only I can send them on their way,and I will,if you strengthen meto let go of my anxious holdon what is nonessential.---Joyce Rupp from The Out of the Ordinary*A tizzy is a "state of frenzied excitement or distraction, especially over some trivial matter" … [Read more...]
Breath Prayers
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the LORD. Psalm 150:6 Have you heard of “Breath Prayers?” Breath prayers are short prayers said in one breath. Simple, repetitive and surprisingly ancient. The breath prayer generally involves quietly repeating a chosen phrase for several minutes, allowing the prayer to take on the shape of one's breathing so that the words accompany every breath. Examples of common breath prayers are “In you, Lord, I put my trust,” “Help me understand your ways, Lord,” “Lord I am yours,” and “My Lord and my God.” The idea is to pick a meaningful phrase and repeat it until it becomes a part of your being. Perhaps the most famous breath prayer is the Jesus Prayer. This prayer goes like this: "Lord Jesus Christ" (while breathing in), "have mercy on me, a sinner" (while breathing out). This is done repeatedly until all is stilled within your heart. In the 19th century, an unknown Russian peasant told the story of his … [Read more...]
Autumn Feast
Lord, I enjoyed our meal together this morning.My eyes feasted on the seasonal smorgasbord surrounding me – Light bouncing through the crevices of the clouds, Patches of trees blazing with brilliant oranges, burnt browns, and deepening reds, Fog drifting gently across earthen sea.I drank in the beauty of geese rising in formation, Deer gleaning the harvested fields, Leaves dancing with the wind.Lord of the harvest, You express exquisite creativity in nature. This annual autumn feast reveals Your glory I am amazed and grateful that You prepare this fall feast for our enjoyment. And I think You, Lord, must take delight in this time of year also.****************************************************************************Fall is NOT my favorite time of year, but the morning I wrote this prayer I was overwhelmed by its beauty. Autumn reminds me of the cycle of life and that even as things appear to be dying, they are also becoming new again.What does fall show … [Read more...]
God Will Never Leave Us – Never – Lectio Divina
The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:8He will never leave you.Never.Never? You really mean that Lord? Never?No matter how far I stray?No matter what I say or fail to do?No matter if I walk away from You?No matter if I get angry with You?No matter what?You will never leave me?You stayI driftYou stayI wanderYou stayI get lostYou stayI slink back to You with my head hung low.Thank you for being my constant and my rock.Thank you for never abandoning me when the world, others, and even my own self abandon the soul within me.Thank you for never leaving me.Never … [Read more...]