The Gift of Receiving - The Anointing at Bethany
The story of the anointing at Bethany (John 12:1-8) is one of those stories that offers different teachings and insights when viewed from various perspectives.
While this story is rich with lessons, the one that caught my interest was the one about of Mary. She took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard (spikenard), anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. "The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume," not to mention the radiating joy and love she felt for Jesus as she did this. Mary's love for Jesus was uncontainable.
From a "head" perspective, the extravagance disturbed the logic of economics. How could this person spent so much money for this gesture when the money could have been put to better use? Judas argues that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to help the poor! Wasn't this the very thing that Jesus taught?
There sat Mary, expressing her love in a way that didn't consider economics - it is what came to her as a way to demonstrate how much Jesus meant to her. She thought she was doing good, perhaps excited that Jesus would be pleased, but her heart joy was soon pierced by this sudden attack by Judas.
Jesus, sensing this awkward position Mary was now in, came to her defense. "Leave her alone," he interceded, and then defended her actions.
Perhaps this was a lesson in graceful receiving. Can we learn to accept the gifts of others, looking at the intent of the gift and not whether it is "over-valued" or "undervalued"? It is sometimes hard to express the feelings of the heart toward another person, so we try to do it through actions or gifts that fall short of the true feeling. We use material things and physical actions to convey spiritual intent. Quite difficult to do! I, for one, am clumsy at this, but I am also blessed with people around me who know I am clumsy at it. So, they can translate my attempt into its true heart-felt message.
Jesus understood Mary's message of love. Perhaps we can, too, see the same when we are giving and receiving.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Home Prayer - Place and Space
POWER
The fact that prayer can change the world is beyond dispute. But how does it do this? One of the most important ways is that it changes the one who is praying, and when we change from our prayers, the world changes. We are in the world, and the world is in us. It is through prayer that we reconnect with God, "regrounding" if you will.
PLACE
Jesus was diligent about getting his time for prayer, usually going off to a secluded spot when he needed to reconnect. His guidance for personal prayer included what was recorded in Matthew 6:5-6: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, that they may be seen by others. They have their reward; but when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Since our Community members are dispersed, they are encouraged to find a special spot in their home (or someplace nice outside when the weather permits) for their personal prayer sessions. It is to be a special place, reserved just for prayer, meditation and contemplation, and used for nothing else. It can be as simple as a chair in the corner of the room, perhaps with a reading lamp. Choose a quiet spot, if possible, such as in a bedroom or study. A small end table can be useful to hold books and journal when not in use.
If the space is available, a slightly larger table can serve as a home altar. Here other items to set the tone for prayer can be added: Bible, candles, incense holder, and crucifix, as desired. Some home prayer spaces have kneelers as well. Add other items that help enter the Presence of God. Perhaps some icons, small bell, or angel statues. Things that attract the attention of your eyes, hears, smell and sense of touch will help bring you into the present moment. The present moment is where God resides for us; it is where He becomes accessible. Some people add soft music as a background. I often use some Gregorian chant music to create a solemn and yet joyful experience.
PREPARATION
The basics of preparing for personal prayer time follow the same thoughts as expressed in a recent article, "Early Morning Prayer." When you enter this personal prayer space, you do so both physically and mentally. It is easier to achieve physically, of course, because you simply go there. It can be a bit more challenging mentally, however, because we often carry with us the concerns of the past and the worries and busyness of the day ahead.
Therefore, when we enter our sacred prayer space, allow some time for the mind to settle down. The thoughts of the day that demand our attention will eventually find their way out. Don't push at them or prevent them from passing through, just gently show them the way out of the room. Your worries and concerns can be dealt with later, so remind them that this is not their time.
Begin to replace these thoughts with the senses and images of the things in your prayer space. These are reminders that you are a child of God, and are deeply loved by Him. You soon arrive in His Presence, and as with any dear friend, this calls for your full attention and respect.
You may want to tap a little bell signifying the start of the session, or light a candle (be sure to extinguish it after the session!). Some people, like me, will wrap themselves in a prayer stole or shawl upon entering the prayer space. I have several designs and styles, depending on the season and occasion. Wearing one reminds me of being wrapped in the loving arms of God. It also reminds me of the shield against those things in my life that are not of God. For now, during this special time, He and I are one, and we are going to have a conversation together.
PRACTICE
Once our minds have settled down we can begin our prayer routine. This can range from a structured prayer book with assigned readings for each day, to simply sitting and enjoying His presence. Some people go for a walk in the woods, sitting in a boat, or taking a swim (probably without a prayer shawl). Some people explore the symbols, features and colors of a religious icon. Others read Biblical stories and imagine themselves a part of it; they live the sights and sounds of the time, gleaning some new understanding or just relishing the presence of God. Include prayers for others, and for yourself, as the need arises.
Journaling your prayer experience can be helpful, too. Sometimes answering a set of questions about the day just past help to make us stronger for the next day. Some questions you may consider include:
• How was God present in the events of this day?
• What are your key feelings of this day?
• What did you feel God was guiding you to do today?
• How did you respond to God's call today?
• The particular event or situation of this day that I want most to be healed is...
As you review your journal from time to time you may learn what works best for you and what doesn't. Discuss the results with your spiritual director, counselor or trusted friends. End your prayer session with a short prayer of thanks, asking God to remain Present with you as you reenter the world.
PEOPLE
Like Jesus returning to the people after each of his prayer times, we, too, must reengage the world as it presents itself to us. Hopefully, we are a little bit better equipped to do so just having spent some time with Our Father. The ultimate goal of personal prayer time, or course, is that you carry this sense of His Presence with you all the time. Each moment of the day becomes a prayer session of words, thoughts and actions. We begin to see the image of God in other people, we see things as being gifts of God, we see nature as sacred, and we see each of our movements as sacraments to His love.
Go in peace, to love and serve each other, one moment at a time!
The fact that prayer can change the world is beyond dispute. But how does it do this? One of the most important ways is that it changes the one who is praying, and when we change from our prayers, the world changes. We are in the world, and the world is in us. It is through prayer that we reconnect with God, "regrounding" if you will.
PLACE
Jesus was diligent about getting his time for prayer, usually going off to a secluded spot when he needed to reconnect. His guidance for personal prayer included what was recorded in Matthew 6:5-6: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, that they may be seen by others. They have their reward; but when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Since our Community members are dispersed, they are encouraged to find a special spot in their home (or someplace nice outside when the weather permits) for their personal prayer sessions. It is to be a special place, reserved just for prayer, meditation and contemplation, and used for nothing else. It can be as simple as a chair in the corner of the room, perhaps with a reading lamp. Choose a quiet spot, if possible, such as in a bedroom or study. A small end table can be useful to hold books and journal when not in use.
If the space is available, a slightly larger table can serve as a home altar. Here other items to set the tone for prayer can be added: Bible, candles, incense holder, and crucifix, as desired. Some home prayer spaces have kneelers as well. Add other items that help enter the Presence of God. Perhaps some icons, small bell, or angel statues. Things that attract the attention of your eyes, hears, smell and sense of touch will help bring you into the present moment. The present moment is where God resides for us; it is where He becomes accessible. Some people add soft music as a background. I often use some Gregorian chant music to create a solemn and yet joyful experience.
PREPARATION
The basics of preparing for personal prayer time follow the same thoughts as expressed in a recent article, "Early Morning Prayer." When you enter this personal prayer space, you do so both physically and mentally. It is easier to achieve physically, of course, because you simply go there. It can be a bit more challenging mentally, however, because we often carry with us the concerns of the past and the worries and busyness of the day ahead.
Therefore, when we enter our sacred prayer space, allow some time for the mind to settle down. The thoughts of the day that demand our attention will eventually find their way out. Don't push at them or prevent them from passing through, just gently show them the way out of the room. Your worries and concerns can be dealt with later, so remind them that this is not their time.
Begin to replace these thoughts with the senses and images of the things in your prayer space. These are reminders that you are a child of God, and are deeply loved by Him. You soon arrive in His Presence, and as with any dear friend, this calls for your full attention and respect.
You may want to tap a little bell signifying the start of the session, or light a candle (be sure to extinguish it after the session!). Some people, like me, will wrap themselves in a prayer stole or shawl upon entering the prayer space. I have several designs and styles, depending on the season and occasion. Wearing one reminds me of being wrapped in the loving arms of God. It also reminds me of the shield against those things in my life that are not of God. For now, during this special time, He and I are one, and we are going to have a conversation together.
PRACTICE
Once our minds have settled down we can begin our prayer routine. This can range from a structured prayer book with assigned readings for each day, to simply sitting and enjoying His presence. Some people go for a walk in the woods, sitting in a boat, or taking a swim (probably without a prayer shawl). Some people explore the symbols, features and colors of a religious icon. Others read Biblical stories and imagine themselves a part of it; they live the sights and sounds of the time, gleaning some new understanding or just relishing the presence of God. Include prayers for others, and for yourself, as the need arises.
Journaling your prayer experience can be helpful, too. Sometimes answering a set of questions about the day just past help to make us stronger for the next day. Some questions you may consider include:
• How was God present in the events of this day?
• What are your key feelings of this day?
• What did you feel God was guiding you to do today?
• How did you respond to God's call today?
• The particular event or situation of this day that I want most to be healed is...
As you review your journal from time to time you may learn what works best for you and what doesn't. Discuss the results with your spiritual director, counselor or trusted friends. End your prayer session with a short prayer of thanks, asking God to remain Present with you as you reenter the world.
PEOPLE
Like Jesus returning to the people after each of his prayer times, we, too, must reengage the world as it presents itself to us. Hopefully, we are a little bit better equipped to do so just having spent some time with Our Father. The ultimate goal of personal prayer time, or course, is that you carry this sense of His Presence with you all the time. Each moment of the day becomes a prayer session of words, thoughts and actions. We begin to see the image of God in other people, we see things as being gifts of God, we see nature as sacred, and we see each of our movements as sacraments to His love.
Go in peace, to love and serve each other, one moment at a time!
Friday, February 26, 2010
The Third Temptation of Christ - Blind Patriotism
The third temptation that Christ faced in the desert as he began to shape his ministry was that of placing worldly power and might ahead of allegiance to God. Jesus was led to a very high mountain and was shown the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. The Tempter promised Jesus that these could all be his if Jesus dropped his allegiance to God and turned instead to worship the prince of this world. (Matthew 4:8-10 and Luke 4:5-8)
The people at the time were ready for a military messiah, one who could rally the people together to oust foreign intervention and reestablish a separate and sovereign people. It would have been easier to rise to power on a platform of revolution in response to this need than on a platform forming a world-wide community based on the love of God.
Is there really such a difference between the two systems? God inspired Isaiah to write on this, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
There is nothing wrong with having geographical divisions of space such as countries, states, provinces, cities, towns and streets. It makes finding things a lot easier, helps the postal service deliver things, and provides game shows with challenging questions. But when these divisions grow into collective egos called nations that become dysfunctional, we create fertile ground for racism, greed, economic imbalance, preferential treatment, and exploitation - things that are not of God, but of man. People begin to coagulate around fear-based causes and principles that separate one people from another; creating short-sighted vision that eventually turns into provincial blindness.
Man's tendency is to divide. He does so out of fear. He forms separate groups for safety, identity and pride. If my group is more powerful than your group, he reasons, then we are safer, we are better, and you are not. God's tendency, however, is to unite. He does so out of love. If we realize that we are all members of the same family, all brothers and sisters, then fear is destroyed, and we can build systems to make sure everyone has enough food, clothing, shelter, medical care, healthy relationships, and other truly human aspects of life. We can help each other become who God made us to be, serving Him in this world in our own unique way based on the special gifts he has given to each one of us.
It is a classic choice we all face today - should we live according to God's rules, or our own? Jesus' response to this temptation was to reiterate, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him." Perhaps one day we will all become one family, a place where, as St. Paul writes, "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." (1 Corinthians 12:26)
The people at the time were ready for a military messiah, one who could rally the people together to oust foreign intervention and reestablish a separate and sovereign people. It would have been easier to rise to power on a platform of revolution in response to this need than on a platform forming a world-wide community based on the love of God.
Is there really such a difference between the two systems? God inspired Isaiah to write on this, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
There is nothing wrong with having geographical divisions of space such as countries, states, provinces, cities, towns and streets. It makes finding things a lot easier, helps the postal service deliver things, and provides game shows with challenging questions. But when these divisions grow into collective egos called nations that become dysfunctional, we create fertile ground for racism, greed, economic imbalance, preferential treatment, and exploitation - things that are not of God, but of man. People begin to coagulate around fear-based causes and principles that separate one people from another; creating short-sighted vision that eventually turns into provincial blindness.
Man's tendency is to divide. He does so out of fear. He forms separate groups for safety, identity and pride. If my group is more powerful than your group, he reasons, then we are safer, we are better, and you are not. God's tendency, however, is to unite. He does so out of love. If we realize that we are all members of the same family, all brothers and sisters, then fear is destroyed, and we can build systems to make sure everyone has enough food, clothing, shelter, medical care, healthy relationships, and other truly human aspects of life. We can help each other become who God made us to be, serving Him in this world in our own unique way based on the special gifts he has given to each one of us.
It is a classic choice we all face today - should we live according to God's rules, or our own? Jesus' response to this temptation was to reiterate, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him." Perhaps one day we will all become one family, a place where, as St. Paul writes, "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." (1 Corinthians 12:26)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Second Temptation of Christ - Physical Safety
The second temptation of Christ in the desert was perhaps the most insidious of the three. We read in Matthew 4:5-7 (and Luke 4:9-12) that Jesus was placed in a physically dangerous position (the pinnacle of the temple) by his tempter, who quoted scripture trying to convince Jesus that he would not be hurt if he jumped off, "For it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, and on their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
Quoting scripture to promote falsehoods is done far too often even today. But this is not the deepest concern here. Inherent in the tempter's promise is that if you follow God's will and do His word in your life, He will keep you from harm's way. Psalm 91 is often used as an example of this, and there are many more.
The tempter knew that if he could get people to believe this, they would be set up for a fall that would be very difficult to recover from. People living good lives get hurt somewhere along the way, and then they get angry with God. They question what they have done to deserve this pain and suffering. They turn from God, severing the one connection that would help them get through. The connection with our Creator is replaced with anger, frustration and a sense of betrayal.
The truth is, good people and bad people both get hurt in life. Some worse than others. And most of the pain and suffering in the world is caused by people in the first place. We cause many famines; we cause homelessness; we cause many of the diseases we are trying to cure. We cause accidents through impatience, carelessness, or cutting corners for extra profit. Of course, nature unleashes some of her own fury in earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunamis, etc. Let's face it - we live in a dangerous place. We make it worse when we try to live above nature rather than with it.
But within the world also comes beautiful things - mountains, trees, flowers, and people who bring love and compassion. There are medicines to cure illnesses; roads to share goods and services; materials to build homes to protect us from the weather and keep us warm; rich soil to grow food; communication networks to share stories and information; and much, much more. We could reclaim Eden if we became a family once again.
We may not be able to prevent physical harm coming to us. Eventually something gets all of us. One thing we CAN count on, though, is that no harm will come to your spiritual self, that is, your true self, regardless of what happens to your physical self. St. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 , "Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal."
The other thing we can count on, too, is the fact that God WILL be there during our times of trouble to help out, if we let Him. When trouble enters our lives, it is time to turn toward Our Father and not away from Him. We can find Him in friends, counselors, therapists, scripture, pastors, doctors and out in nature. We can find Him deep within ourselves, right there in your heart.
Quoting scripture to promote falsehoods is done far too often even today. But this is not the deepest concern here. Inherent in the tempter's promise is that if you follow God's will and do His word in your life, He will keep you from harm's way. Psalm 91 is often used as an example of this, and there are many more.
The tempter knew that if he could get people to believe this, they would be set up for a fall that would be very difficult to recover from. People living good lives get hurt somewhere along the way, and then they get angry with God. They question what they have done to deserve this pain and suffering. They turn from God, severing the one connection that would help them get through. The connection with our Creator is replaced with anger, frustration and a sense of betrayal.
The truth is, good people and bad people both get hurt in life. Some worse than others. And most of the pain and suffering in the world is caused by people in the first place. We cause many famines; we cause homelessness; we cause many of the diseases we are trying to cure. We cause accidents through impatience, carelessness, or cutting corners for extra profit. Of course, nature unleashes some of her own fury in earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunamis, etc. Let's face it - we live in a dangerous place. We make it worse when we try to live above nature rather than with it.
But within the world also comes beautiful things - mountains, trees, flowers, and people who bring love and compassion. There are medicines to cure illnesses; roads to share goods and services; materials to build homes to protect us from the weather and keep us warm; rich soil to grow food; communication networks to share stories and information; and much, much more. We could reclaim Eden if we became a family once again.
We may not be able to prevent physical harm coming to us. Eventually something gets all of us. One thing we CAN count on, though, is that no harm will come to your spiritual self, that is, your true self, regardless of what happens to your physical self. St. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 , "Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal."
The other thing we can count on, too, is the fact that God WILL be there during our times of trouble to help out, if we let Him. When trouble enters our lives, it is time to turn toward Our Father and not away from Him. We can find Him in friends, counselors, therapists, scripture, pastors, doctors and out in nature. We can find Him deep within ourselves, right there in your heart.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Statio - The Pause that Refreshes
The busyness and concerns of our day can have a dampening effect on our connection with reality and the connections with God that we established in our early morning prayer session. We started our day feeling right with ourselves, but the world of mankind that we interact with throughout the day may begin to wear against this. We may end up feeling a bit lost or frustrated, thinking about "getting out of this place," or daydreaming of being in a different situation.
To regain our "grounding," our effectiveness and creativity, along with a true understanding of the relationship of things in our field of awareness, we sometimes will need to pause during the day for a quick "reorientation." These pause-to-refresh moments are sometimes referred to as "statio". The spiritual discipline of statio is simply the discipline of taking a moment or two from the activities of the day to reconnect with reality, with God and the world around us.
Statio can come in many forms, but the idea is to employ similar methods used in early morning prayer. If you can find a moment alone, either at your desk, walking along a hallway, or sitting in your car, allow the current thoughts and worries of the day to flow through your mind until they begin to dissipate. Do not try to force them out or block them from coming. Gradually they will settle down. Remind them that you can deal with them later.
Next, get a feel for the day so far. Ask yourself something like, "How is this day (or moment) going for me right now? How am I feeling about it?" Be sure to ask the question from two perspectives: first, from your ego perspective, and second from your true self. Be honest with yourself. Often you will find that the answers between the two perspectives will be different. The things that are important to the ego are usually very different from the things that are important to your true self.
It is this difference that you are now defining that is probably the cause of your troubles this day. It is also very important to remember that this difference is purely ego-based.
This realization will often change your perspective as you re-engage the day and once again begin interacting with others. (And realize that you are often interacting with their egos, not their true selves.) Your behavior, and therefore the outcome of the day, will be much different following statio. This will help you be more present in each forthcoming moment, bringing a calmness to you and to others.
The practice of statio is meant to center us and make us conscious of what we're about to do and make us present to the God who is present to us. Statio is the virtue of Presence.
How often do we do statio? Initially, it may have to be done frequently, depending on where we are in our spiritual journey and what the circumstances of the day happen to be. Over time, the need for statio will be less, because we will remain in the Presence more often and for longer periods.
How can I remember to do statio? Mostly this is a matter of monitoring our current state of mind and feelings during the day. Become an observer of yourself. If you are not at peace in the present moment, it may be time to try a little statio.
Watch for those openings in your hustle-bustle day where you can put the brakes on, pause for a moment, and remember who and what you really are!
To regain our "grounding," our effectiveness and creativity, along with a true understanding of the relationship of things in our field of awareness, we sometimes will need to pause during the day for a quick "reorientation." These pause-to-refresh moments are sometimes referred to as "statio". The spiritual discipline of statio is simply the discipline of taking a moment or two from the activities of the day to reconnect with reality, with God and the world around us.
Statio can come in many forms, but the idea is to employ similar methods used in early morning prayer. If you can find a moment alone, either at your desk, walking along a hallway, or sitting in your car, allow the current thoughts and worries of the day to flow through your mind until they begin to dissipate. Do not try to force them out or block them from coming. Gradually they will settle down. Remind them that you can deal with them later.
Next, get a feel for the day so far. Ask yourself something like, "How is this day (or moment) going for me right now? How am I feeling about it?" Be sure to ask the question from two perspectives: first, from your ego perspective, and second from your true self. Be honest with yourself. Often you will find that the answers between the two perspectives will be different. The things that are important to the ego are usually very different from the things that are important to your true self.
It is this difference that you are now defining that is probably the cause of your troubles this day. It is also very important to remember that this difference is purely ego-based.
This realization will often change your perspective as you re-engage the day and once again begin interacting with others. (And realize that you are often interacting with their egos, not their true selves.) Your behavior, and therefore the outcome of the day, will be much different following statio. This will help you be more present in each forthcoming moment, bringing a calmness to you and to others.
The practice of statio is meant to center us and make us conscious of what we're about to do and make us present to the God who is present to us. Statio is the virtue of Presence.
How often do we do statio? Initially, it may have to be done frequently, depending on where we are in our spiritual journey and what the circumstances of the day happen to be. Over time, the need for statio will be less, because we will remain in the Presence more often and for longer periods.
How can I remember to do statio? Mostly this is a matter of monitoring our current state of mind and feelings during the day. Become an observer of yourself. If you are not at peace in the present moment, it may be time to try a little statio.
Watch for those openings in your hustle-bustle day where you can put the brakes on, pause for a moment, and remember who and what you really are!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Early Morning Prayer
It has been the practice and tradition of monastics and spiritual seekers around the world for thousands of years to greet each new day with early morning prayer. Often before the sun breaks the eastern horizon the seeker rises from bed and performs a special prayer rite in a special place. (Beating the sun out of bed is, of course, a bit easier to do in winter months.)
While each prayer offering during the course of the day is important in its own way, early morning prayer has special significance. It has long been known that each person has spiritual connections with every other person and with the earth itself. As such, there is a collective influence on the day ahead.
The purpose of early morning prayer is to bring the seeker into the presence of the oncoming day with an open heart and an open mind. If we can arrive at this point we can influence the coming day greatly. There is a incredible amount of power flowing through the present moment. As a seeker, our only purpose is to be truly in the present moment where the power resides – not burdened with reliving the events of yesterday, or worried about what’s supposed to happen today or tomorrow. These are things not in reality and will interfere with the possibilities of the present.
But we are human, and it is not always easy to clear our minds and recapture the present moment. Thus, the prayer routine allows for this. Each morning liturgy should be designed to allow the memories and worries in our heads to flow as they will through our minds for a while. Resisting them usually doesn’t work. Let them flow and allow them to dissipate on their own. Reminding ourselves that these things can be dealt with later often helps. So, part of the morning service is some quiet time, some meditative time, to allow the mind to settle. Some people will even use physical exercise to “clear the head.”
Then return to silence and begin to get a feel for the coming day. Really, our only purpose is just to be present. We needn’t try to change anything, as the ideal situation will be for us to be a conduit through which God can do His work this day. We will become His hands, His eyes, His voice and His heart regardless of where the day takes us.
Our awareness of the day and our place in it creates a great deal of influence. Today we will function as one part of a vast system of things happening. We are an important piece of what will transpire this day, even though we may not think so. Even a smile to someone else will be critical to make this day turn out the way it should. Our presence can settle this day, just as sitting next to a friend who is ill, or a child who is taking a nap. Our presence in the moment adds an assurance to the day that calms it down.
Activities of early morning prayer can vary, depending on our temperament and interests. Morning prayer can include singing, reading, praying, writing poetry, or just watching the sunrise. If it works the way it should, we end up feeling renewed, that this day will be unique. We should be feeling peaceful, and part of the overall scope of nature. We should feel welcoming to new things and the creativity that exists in the day ahead. We should feel part of God’s family, an important piece in the entire scope of His creation, no less or more important than the other people we meet today – just brothers and sisters of His family.
While each prayer offering during the course of the day is important in its own way, early morning prayer has special significance. It has long been known that each person has spiritual connections with every other person and with the earth itself. As such, there is a collective influence on the day ahead.
The purpose of early morning prayer is to bring the seeker into the presence of the oncoming day with an open heart and an open mind. If we can arrive at this point we can influence the coming day greatly. There is a incredible amount of power flowing through the present moment. As a seeker, our only purpose is to be truly in the present moment where the power resides – not burdened with reliving the events of yesterday, or worried about what’s supposed to happen today or tomorrow. These are things not in reality and will interfere with the possibilities of the present.
But we are human, and it is not always easy to clear our minds and recapture the present moment. Thus, the prayer routine allows for this. Each morning liturgy should be designed to allow the memories and worries in our heads to flow as they will through our minds for a while. Resisting them usually doesn’t work. Let them flow and allow them to dissipate on their own. Reminding ourselves that these things can be dealt with later often helps. So, part of the morning service is some quiet time, some meditative time, to allow the mind to settle. Some people will even use physical exercise to “clear the head.”
Then return to silence and begin to get a feel for the coming day. Really, our only purpose is just to be present. We needn’t try to change anything, as the ideal situation will be for us to be a conduit through which God can do His work this day. We will become His hands, His eyes, His voice and His heart regardless of where the day takes us.
Our awareness of the day and our place in it creates a great deal of influence. Today we will function as one part of a vast system of things happening. We are an important piece of what will transpire this day, even though we may not think so. Even a smile to someone else will be critical to make this day turn out the way it should. Our presence can settle this day, just as sitting next to a friend who is ill, or a child who is taking a nap. Our presence in the moment adds an assurance to the day that calms it down.
Activities of early morning prayer can vary, depending on our temperament and interests. Morning prayer can include singing, reading, praying, writing poetry, or just watching the sunrise. If it works the way it should, we end up feeling renewed, that this day will be unique. We should be feeling peaceful, and part of the overall scope of nature. We should feel welcoming to new things and the creativity that exists in the day ahead. We should feel part of God’s family, an important piece in the entire scope of His creation, no less or more important than the other people we meet today – just brothers and sisters of His family.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
New Year's Resolutions
Greetings!
This is the time of year that many of us think about the year just past and the commitment to specific resolutions to do better at this or that in the coming year. I have a few ideas for you to consider with regards to your spiritual journey for the year ahead. These have been paraphrased from some of my latest readings:
1) Do not know where you are going. Other than knowing our ultimate goal is to be the person God meant us to be, remember that spiritual growth is spontaneous, and is largely a matter of what comes to us each and every moment. It’s not something we can plan for, but we must simply stay in a state of awareness to see what is presented to us. This means using ego awareness, present moment awareness, and practicing the presence of God. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen according to our plan, it happens according to God’s.
2) Do not struggle to get there. Does it help for a two-year old to struggle to become three? Does it help for a tree to struggle to grow leaves? Spiritual growth unfolds in a natural manner. It cannot be forced. Take life as it comes. Sufficient unto this day are the challenges thereof.
3) Spiritual formation is not a self-improvement project. Self-improvement projects are generally related to specific goals – to be better organized, to lose weight, etc. While spiritual awareness may certainly help these goals a great deal, it is best to get specific help to address specific issues. This may need to be a part of your spiritual journey.
4) Do not set a time table for spiritual progress. While some people are motivated by specific time tables and deadlines, that doesn’t work in spiritual development. Yes, discipline is involved, and we need to keep doing our footwork (prayers, study and service), but again, we are on God’s time table, not ours.
5) Do not wait for a miracle. Watching and waiting for a miracle to happen to you implies that you are separate from God – you are here and He is over there, and you are waiting for Him to do something for you. Remember that He is in you, and you in Him. You already ARE a miracle. Life is a miracle. 2010 is a miracle.
Know that you are loved by Our Father,
Blessings!
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
This is the time of year that many of us think about the year just past and the commitment to specific resolutions to do better at this or that in the coming year. I have a few ideas for you to consider with regards to your spiritual journey for the year ahead. These have been paraphrased from some of my latest readings:
1) Do not know where you are going. Other than knowing our ultimate goal is to be the person God meant us to be, remember that spiritual growth is spontaneous, and is largely a matter of what comes to us each and every moment. It’s not something we can plan for, but we must simply stay in a state of awareness to see what is presented to us. This means using ego awareness, present moment awareness, and practicing the presence of God. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen according to our plan, it happens according to God’s.
2) Do not struggle to get there. Does it help for a two-year old to struggle to become three? Does it help for a tree to struggle to grow leaves? Spiritual growth unfolds in a natural manner. It cannot be forced. Take life as it comes. Sufficient unto this day are the challenges thereof.
3) Spiritual formation is not a self-improvement project. Self-improvement projects are generally related to specific goals – to be better organized, to lose weight, etc. While spiritual awareness may certainly help these goals a great deal, it is best to get specific help to address specific issues. This may need to be a part of your spiritual journey.
4) Do not set a time table for spiritual progress. While some people are motivated by specific time tables and deadlines, that doesn’t work in spiritual development. Yes, discipline is involved, and we need to keep doing our footwork (prayers, study and service), but again, we are on God’s time table, not ours.
5) Do not wait for a miracle. Watching and waiting for a miracle to happen to you implies that you are separate from God – you are here and He is over there, and you are waiting for Him to do something for you. Remember that He is in you, and you in Him. You already ARE a miracle. Life is a miracle. 2010 is a miracle.
Know that you are loved by Our Father,
Blessings!
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
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