Borrowed prayers are praying the words shared/written by another person. Sometimes we just don’t know what to say. Other times reading a prayer from another person’s spirit resonates so much with our own spirit it becomes our prayer also. I shared some of my favorite prayers on this post last year. I believe just the right words come along when we most need them and even when we don’t know we needed them. Recently several prayers from others have shimmered, vibrated, and echoed deep inside me. I write them into my journal and pray them as their beauty and meanings seep into my heart. Maybe some of these words will also guide you on your spiritual path. “Why, O Lord, is it so hard for me to keep my heart directed toward you? Why do the many little things I want to do, and the many people I know, keep crowding my mind, even during the hours that I am totally free to be with you and you alone? Why does my mind wander off in so many directions, and why does my heart desire the … [Read more...]
Entering the Sanctuary of Holy Week
We enter the sanctuary, the sacredness of Holy Week. I take the step over the threshold into God’s story. Ahh, take that deep breath and pause in God’s wonder and love. My hubby and I have been traveling and have another quick trip coming soon. What a blessing but (why do those “buts” always stop us?) - fatigue, travel hassles, and busyness take over my soul in this week of a multitude of worship services and commitments all jammed into 6 days. I am tired, feel scattered, and to be honest, I am missing God. Not the way I really want to live and to be honest I don’t think the way God wants us to live either. I cling to my self-centeredness instead of dwelling in Christ-centeredness. I am distracted instead of focusing on the sacrifice and love of and in God. My word of the year is “way” and one way I am leaning into this word is to listen. So I put down my pen, close my laptop, step away from the to-do list and sit still in my prayer corner. I close my eyes, … [Read more...]
Breath Prayers – a Lenten Practice
This season of Lent I have been intentionally slowing down and listening to God. The use of breath prayers has helped me in this practice. 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,” “ I am, God’s Beloved,” 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. I am rereading the classic, The Way of a … [Read more...]
A Blessing
A Blessing May cherished memories of last year yield healing, joy, and wisdom. May the dark times sprinkle your tears watering growth in the new year. May the light of friends, present and from beyond, guide your next steps. May delightful muses dance in your dreams bringing whimsey and life to each day. May your heart be open and willing to embrace new adventures with faith. May you find some silliness, a few surprises, and significant strength and resilience. May you walk with kindness in your heart towards yourself and for others. May you experience God’s lavish love in your soul, knowing how precious you are. ©Jean Wise … [Read more...]
Borrowed Prayers
We can talk with God in many ways. I find just plain conversation with the Trinity like friends having coffee or lifting praise and gratitude to be essential methods for me. Written prayers, working to find just the right words to articulate my desires, sorrows, hopes in my journals are prayers. Of course, silence is also holy time. But sometimes using the words from other people connects best with God. I call these borrowed prayers. I love to gather and tuck these prayers into my journal, my Bible, and my heart. Sometimes I paraphrase them based on their framework but using my own words. Occasionally I pause at the end of one phrase unable to finish and linger in the midst of their prayer. Their words offer a branch at times to lead me into a new prayer for myself bringing insight, surprises, and peace. Here are a few of my favorite borrowed prayers: I have no idea where I am going.I do not see the road ahead of me.I cannot know for certain where it will end.nor do I really … [Read more...]
A Traveler’s Thanks
Gracious Lord,Thank you for the joy of traveling. For the honor of seeing your creation. The joy of being alive in your world. Of experiencing the ocean breezes and the mist on my face. Standing on the deck losing count of all the variation of shades of blues in the waters before us. The loving companionship of my hubby. The deliciousness of the food, both familiar and unfamiliar. Meeting friends from around the world. Breathing in new cultures and learning histories that impact us all. Deepening understanding of varying ways of living. Watching wildlife leap for joy in the air and sea. Waiting for the clouds to pass at night to catch glimpses of the Southern Cross and Orion in your great universe across the heavens. So often, Lord, I felt blessed and thanked you for this time away to see your vast creation. The wonder of your amazing world. And now grateful for returning home and the comfort of routine, family, and beauty even in my … [Read more...]
Back to Basics – Prayer
Prayer - what more can I say? Prayer is an essential practice for all of us longing to follow Christ in our earthly journeys. Back to basics has been a series these last few weeks here on Healthy Spirituality as we ponder what best nourishes our soul and our relationship with God. What are primary ways that we often neglect, forget, or just plain get too busy or distracted to do? Time to get back to basics. Prayer A friend said to me the other day she was embarrassed to admit that after a near fatal car accident, it was days before she prayed. And this is a lady of great faith. I am never surprised in spiritual direction when I ask (or am asked by my spiritual director) how have you prayed about this? Then the other lowers their head and whispers, “Sad to say, I haven’t really done about that yet.” I have been there too. Yes, I pray. I pray a lot. But I am also amazed how much I forget to, too. I did write a few years ago - 11 Tips to Percolate in Prayer. It was a good … [Read more...]
Advent Prayer
This Advent prayer was written by one of my Lamplighters, mentors, and guides - Henri Nouwen. The words shape my morning prayers in this season. May this prayer bless you too. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen. What advent prayer lights your way right now? PS: Advent is a great time to pause, listen to God, and draw closer to the Creator and Gifter of all things. Many people chose to read a special Advent book during this season, and I will humbly … [Read more...]