A Last Word about Meditation, and Psalm 62

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, July 17, 2017

A Last Word about Meditation, and Psalm 62

In this final word on the psalm, Dietrich Bonhoeffer did his usually excellent job. Not only did he talk about Psalm 62, but he also mentioned those who might not be enjoying close relations with God. “And then we wait and wait for years, perhaps to the end of our lives, until we once again are in the mood for religion.” [1]

How sad, and lonely for the unnamed person. As Bonhoeffer said in such a way, “We must learn the language of God, carefully learn it, work hard at it, so that we will be able to speak to Him.” [2]

Yes, it is indeed sad and lonely that a host of people are foundering in their times of prayer and meditation. And, some even do not make the attempt at communicating with God. “Why should I? I’ve tried a few times, and nothing at all happened.” Or “I am not religiously inclined.” So sad.

I have prayed to God, indeed. God and I are more of close friends than not. However, my attention can easily falter. My prayer and silence before God? “Certainly, it will be harder for one person than for another, but we may be sure that no one can advance without work. It takes daily fortitude to expose ourselves to God’s Word and to allow ourselves to be judged by it..” [3]

Wow! That sounds like prayer and meditation takes commitment, time and diligence. I must confess I do not have that commitment all the time. Forgive me, dear Lord.

Bonhoeffer closes with that wonderful quote from St. Augustine: “Lord God, you have made all things for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” We have a Friend whose ears are always open, always with arms ready to embrace all who come close.

Thank You, God, for Your love and caring. Dear Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

 

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my companion blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

[1] Meditating on the Word, Dietrich Bonhöffer, edited by David McI. Gracie. (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cowley Publications, 2000), 54.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

Active, Gathering in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Active, Gathering in Prayer

Lots of things going on.

I spoke at a panel discussion at the mosque in on Sunday, November 20, called “Empowering Diverse Voices.” This was to encourage groups who are feeling marginalized. I was asked to bring two action steps to the audience that evening.

In preparation for that evening, I turned to Matthew 5 and found where Jesus said “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Accordingly, at the panel discussion, I called for people to come together for a Gathering for Prayer and Mutual Support (Build Bridges, Not Walls). It will be on Monday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 8 pm at St. Luke’s Church in Morton Grove.

The second action step, as I promised at the panel on Nov. 20, is a draft of an open letter from leaders of houses of worship to our local civic leaders. Many wish to show friendship and commitment to all people in these communities in the Chicago suburbs. Our neighborhoods and communities are diverse and multi-cultural. This letter contains a declaration that we—leaders of houses of worship—stand together against fear, animosity and hatred to promote harmony, peace and love for all in our local neighborhoods.

Please, if you feel nudged by God, pray for many from this diverse community to attend, and for many to be encouraged by us joining together in prayer.

And, consider joining with me in prayer on the second Monday of December. Pray for our leaders—local, regional and national. Pray for our neighborhoods and communities. And—keeping the words of Jesus from Matthew 5 in our minds—pray with love for those who are angry with us, who are mean to us, and who disagree with us.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

 

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my companion blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Calm, Integrity, and Commitment

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, March 7, 2016

PEACE is Calm, Integrity, and Commitment

As I ask people for their personal definition of PEACE, I am intrigued by the definitions I find unexpected. And, I am impressed by the people who immediately know what their definition is going to be.

Today’s definition falls into the latter category. The name of the person I talked to? Gloria Ludwig. Her personal definition of PEACE is calm, integrity and commitment.

Gloria attends the monthly Des Plaines Ministerial Association meetings. She also serves as City Clerk for the City of Des Plaines. She was happy to give me her point of view when I asked her about her definition of PEACE.

Gloria is a member of the town’s administration; I can tell that Gloria embodies the descriptive words she gave as part of her definition of PEACE. She is calm—she does not seem to get her feathers ruffled easily. She certainly has integrity! I can tell she is even-handed and fair. And, she has commitment…easily seen by all because of her hard work and diligent efforts.

She puts forth her best efforts, too! For instance, this past weekend, she participated in a Peace Pole project in Des Plaines. Apache Park (in the southeast corner of Des Plaines, a part of the Park District) is installing several Peace Poles. Gloria made an artistic addition to one of the poles. She is quite pleased to be participating in the Peace Pole project, and hopes it will continue the conversation of PEACE, harmony, and hope.

Gracious God, thank You for nurturing and peaceful opportunities like the Peace Poles in Apache Park. Thank You for kind, loving people like Gloria. May we all be encouraged to strive for peace, harmony and hope.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

Pray in the Presence of God

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, December 10, 2015

Pray in the Presence of God

I try to remember God. Really, I do. But—it’s so difficult, sometimes. I forget. God slips my mind, sometimes. How can that be, I ask myself? (!!!) Forgive me, God.

Reading in the Advent book of reflections for today, Henri Nouwen talked about forgetting God. About how humans here on this earth, here in this plane of existence, pre-empt my attention and my direction.

I need to direct my thoughts to God, to give as much as possible of my heart, soul and mind to God. Not to have my heart, soul and mind redirected. I know, I know. It is so simple to just allow it to happen. To allow my heart, soul and mind to drift away from God.

Nouwen’s words cut me to the quick: “Jesus’ claim is much more radical. He asks for a single-minded commitment to God and God alone. God wants all of our heart, all of our mind, and all of our soul.” [1]

For the Advent Action of the day, I am advised to go through the “old tapes” that play inside my head, those “tapes” that do not allow me to acknowledge God’s love for me. “Pick one ‘tape:’ a resentment, a belittlement, a loss, and pack it away permanently in exchange for the shelter of a loved and loving God.” [2]

Dear Lord Jesus, You love me. You really do. And, You want me to be all I can be. You want me to give all—that is ALL—of myself to You. Help me to be willing to be willing. Help me as I wait for You and Your coming. It’s in Your name I pray, amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

[1] Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen (Linguori, Missouri: Redemptorist Pastoral Publications, 2004), 24.

[2] Ibid, 25.

One Day at a Time—with Passion

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, June 16, 2015

One Day at a Time—with Passion

This is the first day of the rest of your life. It is, truly. I am not being facetious.

At least, that’s what Nathaniel Branden says in his chapter on Handbook for the Soul.

He speaks of the passion needed to go through life, and how much commitment each person needs. That, plus the ability to appreciate the positive things in life, are two key aspects of this journey called life. I think I might even be able to suggest that Branden considers them all-important aspects, even when each individual goes through continued difficulties and challenges.

I read with interest the real-life example Branden gave. He spoke of his first book, and while he began to explain (in words) about this situation years ago, I had a sudden insight about it. As this formely-young man thought at first, he needed to hurry up and get through the writing-part of this book. But then, he thought more and more deeply. It came upon him that his life was the process. Each day, one day at a time. [1]

What a free-ing thought!

This allows me to think more deeply and more kindly of others. (I am not sure exactly how this fits in with this particular chapter. I am just happy that I will not be alone. At least, I do not need to be alone. Or, stay alone.

As Branden says, “Obviously, we cannot control every area of our life. . . . But we do have an enormous degree of responsibility for the shape our lives takes. . . . We are not passive spectators, but active contestants in the drama of our existence.” [2]

Positive thinking, and one day at a time living. I watched as others nourished themselves; and by God’s strength, I can praise God for these basic instructions. Not easy. Not by a long shot. However, now Branden knows. Now, we do, too.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Handbook for the Soul, Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, editors. (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1995.), 102.

[2] Ibid, 103.