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...]
Disarming our Language – A Lenten Practice
Are you ever shocked when you hear yourself say something that comes out of your mouth totally different from what you really meant to say? Or get caught up with negative internal self-talk with words that you wouldn’t say to another person yet somehow mentioned to your own soul frequently? I read the phrase last week – disarming our language. Pope Leo spoke about the practice of abstaining in Lent: “… from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.” Later I read what Adam Bucko wrote in his Substack article: “join me this Lent in “laying down our arms”, in ending the war within us … [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...]
Lenten Listening
We have entered the Lenten season. Are you exploring any new Lenten practices? Sticking to the traditional ones of fasting, service, and repentance? Letting go of something tangible or even intangible like a mindset or way of reacting? It is not too late to answer the divine invitation to practice Lent. Here are some thoughts that I have been pondering about Lent as I listen deeply to this season’s lessons. Maybe something will stir within your soul as you listen. I shared two weeks ago this thought: “I feel this year to enter Lent with silence, stillness and a listening heart. I hope to increase my morning prayer time with quiet contemplation on the gracious and grandeur of God and the love and sacrifice of Jesus. I am asking the Holy Spirit to show me what obstacles I cling to that prevents me for fully loving the Trinity and to create space in my heart for more and More. “ I have been sitting in silence and stillness and listening this Lenten season. God has … [Read more...]
Seasonal Reset
I just bought a new table decoration for fall. All the autumn colors. Yes, I am getting ready for the change of seasons. The hot weather has finally broken here in Ohio, and a feel of cooler air is coming into the windows. I find myself wearing longer sleeves and digging out socks in the morning. Even my coffee steams a bit higher in the dawn light. September always invites me to reset my agenda and consider what have I done so far this year and what is still hanging undone and calling to be completed the rest of year. What still needs to be cleaned, thrown out, finished? What needs to be scratched off the list and never completed at all? Somehow this time of year welcomes in me a new spirit of clarity and eagerness to get things done. How do I honor this new season? We rush through life so much. Each moment a blur. We wake up and suddenly it’s another year. I for one, want to pause and hold the sacredness of time. To honor its passing. To cherish the seasons for … [Read more...]
Summer Self-Care
What is the kindest self-care you can offer yourself this summer? Pause for a moment and wonder what does your soul want, really deep down need right now? This is a great time of year to refresh your spirit. Take some time for refuel. You are worth it! “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” Sydney J. Harris Here are some ideas: “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” Katie Reed What else would you add to this list? … [Read more...]
Entering the New Year
God of all time,help us enter the New Year quietly,thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others,mindful that our steps make an impactand our words carry power. May we walk gently.May we speak only after we have listened well. Creator of all life,help us enter the New Year reverently,aware that you have endowedevery creature and plant, every person and habitatwith beauty and purpose. May we regard the world with tenderness.May we honor rather than destroy. Lover of all souls,help us enter the New Year joyfully,willing to laugh and dance and dream,remembering our many gifts with thanksand looking forward to blessings yet to come. May we welcome your lavish love.May we cast off the small, vindictive god our fears have made.May the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead. Vinita Hampton Wright … [Read more...]
May You Have a Blessed Christmas!
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary,the obedience of Joseph,the joy of the angels,the eagerness of the shepherds,the determination of the magi,and the peace of the Christ child.Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.—Author Unknown … [Read more...]