“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...]
What We Hold in our Hands – Quote of the Week
"I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." -Martin Luther … [Read more...]
Story Time with Henri Nouwen – Trust the Catcher!
Gather around for a great story today. Here is one of my favorite stories told by Henri Nouwen:“The Flying Rodleighs are trapeze artists who perform in the German circus Simoneit-Barum. When the circus came to Freiburg two years ago, my friends Franz and Reny invited me and my father to see the show. I will never forget how enraptured I became when I first saw the Rodleighs move through the air, flying and catching as elegant dancers.The next day, I returned to the circus to see them again and introduced myself to them as one of their great fans. They invited me to attend their practice sessions, gave me free tickets, asked me to dinner, and suggested I travel with them for a week in the near future. I did, and we became good friends."One day, I was sitting with Rodleigh, the leader of the troupe, in his caravan, talking about flying. He said, 'As a flyer, I must have complete trust in my catcher. The public might think that I am the great star of the trapeze, but the real star is Joe, … [Read more...]