Sorrow, Healing, Forgiveness—in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, May 30, 2015

Sorrow, Healing, Forgiveness—in Prayer

After spending the last few days with my daughter in Washington D.C., I am back at home. Preparing for service tomorrow, and getting ready to preach a sermon for Trinity Sunday.

However—I need to give another installment of Ignatian prayer, meditation and spirituality. I know we have barely scratched the surface of Margaret Silf’s book Inner Compass and the helpful ways she lifted up St. Ignatius and his manner of prayer. We are almost finished with the month of May, and another mode of prayer awaits us for June.

We will take a closer look at the next step in what Silf imagines as St. Ignatius’ Daily Examen, the examination of the internal workings of our intellects, feelings, our very souls.

The next step is Sorrow. “With hindsight you may realize that much of your reaction to the events of the day has been centered on your own kingdom. . . . Whatever inadequacies you find in your day’s living, let them be there before God now, not for judgment, but for His Spirit to hover over the mess, bringing wholeness out of brokenness. Express your sorrow to God, and confidently ask for His healing and forgiveness.” [1]

I see this as a healthy sorrow, not a constant or continual recitation of every single, minute sin ever committed (or omitted). God’s grace and mercy are wider, deeper, and more comprehensive than anything I could have ever imagined.

Yes, we can discuss this tremendous grace and mercy, but I suspect this needs to be felt. Not just intellect, but feelings and emotions, too.

Praise God. Help me to see my inadequacies and sinful behavior, dear God. As John 3:17 says, God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Thank You, Jesus, for extending Your grace and mercy to all those who are anxious and worried. Thanks, God!

. @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] Silf, Margaret, Inner Compass: Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality (Chicago: Loyola Press, 1999), 59

More About Feelings, in Ignatian Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, May 23, 2015

More About Feelings, in Ignatian Prayer

I am a touchy-feely kind of person. Always have been, always will be. It’s the way God created me to be. I can appreciate people for whom intellect is all important. Gee, sometimes I get all up in my head and be all intellectual about something, too. But my primary focus is all about feelings. Pastoral care. Sympathy and empathy. I suppose that’s one reason Ignatian prayer and meditation appeals to me so much.

We’re continuing with Margaret Silf’s book Inner Compass; so much in that book to assist us in our journey with God! Again, the steps of Silf’s process with feelings are similar to the steps of the Daily Examen we viewed earlier this week. This examination can be positive or negative, depending on the sort of feeling touched upon.

Silf gives a striking description of how my “inner furniture” can be disturbed—by others as well as by me. You know the “furniture” I mean. That “inner furniture” in my secret inner room, deep inside of me. Or, my feeling-place inside. St. Ignatius taught his friends how to track their feelings and moods, too. He showed them how to “discover the deeper movements in their hearts, learning to recognize the sold-ground mods as consolation and the moods of inner turmil as desolation.”[1]

Sadly, others may not realize where that “furniture” is located, or when they may crash into it, unknowingly. Another amazing (and again, sad) thing is that we may not be aware of this “inner furniture” until after we’ve crashed into it. That’s why I need to keep in regular contact with God. I need to regularly pray and reflect upon what is happening to me in my daily life. That’s on a daily basis—or, at least several times a week.

And the best part is: God will help me to make a regular practice of this “housecleaning.”

I’m afraid I do not take regular advantage of God’s kindness, God’s offer of assistance. At least, I am not consistent with my prayers for Daily Examen. (“Review of conscience,” as Silf calls it.) Dear God, help me to be more consistent, especially since You are ready and waiting for me, every evening, at the end of the day. Thank You for the opportunity. Please, help me, God. 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 sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Silf, Margaret, Inner Compass: Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality (Chicago: Loyola Press, 1999), 50.

Feeling My Feelings—In Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, May 22, 2015

Feeling My Feelings—In Prayer

I return to the wonderful book Inner Compass for today. I wanted to take a look at what Margaret Silf had to say about the Daily Examen of St. Ignatius. I found some interesting features of her version of the prayer.

Silf’s point of view comes from her awareness of moods and feelings that “appear to change unpredictably and often uncontrollably.”[1] To her way of thinking, underlying patterns of these moods and feelings serve as pathways, and show us how to relate to God. And, how each of our individual journeys with God is going.

Again, the steps of Silf’s process are similar to the steps of the Daily Examen, except more oriented towards feelings and moods. This examination or review can be positive or negative, depending on the sort of feeling touched upon. See how ‘touchy’ feelings are:

“Someone stepped on one of my cherished dreams, perhaps, or offended my pride, or bumped into some ‘furniture’ in my secret inner room. If that happened, where exactly was the sore spot located, and does it remind me of other times when the same sore spot has been touched on?” [2]

This kind of negative feeling can cause all kinds of internal hurt for me. Plus, that internal discomfort and sensitivity can push me to negative outward behaviors like anxiety, distrust, resentment, or even hatred.

As I get in touch with my changing moods and feelings, my internal landscape can serve as a helpful point of reference for my spiritual well-being. All to the good.

Dear God, thank You for differing points of view on this excellent prayer template given to us by St. Ignatius. Help me to follow this prayer regularly.

@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 sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Silf, Margaret, Inner Compass: Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality (Chicago: Loyola Press, 1999), 48.

[2] Ibid, 49.

What Do I Mean, “Rummaging for God?”

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, May 21, 2015

What Do I Mean, “Rummaging for God?”

We’ve looked at the Ignatian prayer mode called the Daily Examen for several days now. I am still thinking about it. Still examining it, as well as allowing it to examine me. I am amazed at the depth and breadth of this straight-forward manner of praying. St. Ignatius was brilliant for coming up with something as insightful as this.

I would like to turn to another helpful page from this helpful website I discovered. (This article is by Fr. Dennis Hamm, SJ, and was originally published in America, May 14, 1994.) Fr. Hamm uses a striking image—“rummaging for God.” But, I’ll let him speak for himself.

“And how do we go about this kind of listening? Long tradition has provided a helpful tool, which we call the “examination of consciousness” today. “Rummaging for God” is an expression that suggests going through a drawer full of stuff, feeling around, looking for something that you are sure must be in there somewhere. I think that image catches some of the feel of what is classically known in church language as the prayer of “examen.” [1]

 

Wow. And again, I’ll say “wow.” It doesn’t matter how often I think about this way of prayer, or in what ways I think of it, the Daily Examen turns me inside out. It drills down, goes deep beneath the surface, and excavates my insides. Not that it’s all bad! No! But sometimes, I can rummage around my mental drawers and forget what is in there. Or, misplace things. Sometimes, God may have me pull out something I wasn’t expecting, and examine that. A memory, or a past event, or some item I am suddenly remembering.

Yes, it can be painful. Or sad. Or bittersweet. Or just plain happy.

Dear God, thank You for the prayer of the Daily Examen. I appreciate it, even when it hurts. Or makes me sad, frustrated, or repentant. Thank You.

@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 sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/rummaging-for-god-praying-backward-through-your-day

What About Tomorrow? And Prayer?

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, May 20, 2015

What About Tomorrow? And Prayer?

Today I am looking at the last section of a brief prayer form of St. Ignatius, the Daily Examen. This part of the examination is a bit different for me, especially since I have been trying to live by the credo “One Day at a Time.” For years.

I really have tried to live each day, in the “now.” I’ve been trying not to get lost wandering in yesterday, and not to get ahead of myself by immersing myself in tomorrow. That’s exactly what our Lord Jesus told us to do at the end of the sixth chapter of Matthew. Each day has concerns of its own; or, as the Revised Standard Version says in verse 34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”

St. Ignatius has a little different view of what I ought to do, however. The last section of his Daily Examen tells me to look forward to tomorrow. Plan for the day. Here’s the quote from the Ignatian prayer website:

“5. Look toward tomorrow. Ask God to give you light for tomorrow’s challenges. Pay attention to the feelings that surface as you survey what’s coming up. Are you doubtful? Cheerful? Apprehensive? Full of delighted anticipation? Allow these feelings to turn into prayer. Seek God’s guidance. Ask him for help and understanding. Pray for hope.” [1]

It’s always beneficial to ask for God’s guidance. No matter what. And, to pray? Develop my relationship with God further? That can only help me.

Thanks, God, for giving me a hand, and helping me out.

@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 sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray

What God Thinks is Important!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, May 19, 2015

What God Thinks is Important!

How on earth does someone sift through the many, multifaceted activities of their day?

A great deal of things happen to me every day. Little things, big things, trivial stuff, important stuff: all kinds of events and happenings, each day. Sometimes, I can’t even begin to remember all of the stuff that went on in one particular day. And a few times—more recently—next to nothing happened to me. At all. But, that isn’t as often.

How do I sort through my day, at the end of the day, when it’s so chock full of stuff? How can I sift through the happenings and find those things that almost highlight themselves? I know very well how important a regular inventory is, by this time. I’ve done it for years, on a regular basis.

For anyone who is unfamiliar with the practice (found in Ignatian spirituality and prayer), this is one step in the Daily Examen. A practice we’ve been looking at for the past few days on this blog. The short, simple steps I am detailing, one at a time, are a straight-forward presentation of how to practice St. Ignatius’ daily examination of oneself. I consider this step to be especially helpful. For me, right now.

“4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to something during the day that God thinks is particularly important. It may involve a feeling—positive or negative. It may be a significant encounter with another person or a vivid moment of pleasure or peace. Or it may be something that seems rather insignificant. Look at it. Pray about it. Allow the prayer to arise spontaneously from your heart—whether intercession, praise, repentance, or gratitude.” [1]

I thank God for the ability to take stock, to go the extra step and look over my daily activities. And—a significant thing about this activity is that God shows up! God directs me as I look at my day. Sometimes, I become even more aware of God’s presence with me, moment by moment.

Thanks, God. I needed that.

@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 sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray

Another Step in the Daily Examen

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, May 18, 2015

Another Step in the Daily Examen

Feelings can be wonderful. If I feel fluffy, warm, fuzzy feelings, that lets me know I have a more positive, cheery outlook on life. On the other hand, if I feel sad and down in the dumps, my outlook on life is radically different. Negative. Unpleasant, even.

I don’t want to say that every time my spirits are low it’s a time for me to take advantage—no, I usually just pipe down, go quietly and leave. Usually, that is.

Detaching from my emotions can be helpful, especially since it’s often useful for me to hold these same emotions at arm’s length. Even still, close examination of the emotions behind my thoughts, ideas, and actions takes a good deal of courage.

This is the third day we are gleaning what we can learn from the website on Ignatian prayer: Pay close attention to your feelings, and see where the emotion takes us. We can see what this website has for us, today.

“3. Pay attention to your emotions. One of St. Ignatius’s great insights was that we detect the presence of the Spirit of God in the movements of our emotions. Reflect on the feelings you experienced during the day. Boredom? Elation? Resentment? Compassion? Anger? Confidence? What is God saying through these feelings?”

Hmm. Great questions, Lord!

Now is the time for reflection and prayer. I can take the opportunity to be honest and open, no matter what. Thanks, Lord! You’re the best.

@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 sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

A Day’s Review, in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, May 17, 2015

A Day’s Review, in Prayer

It was a typical Sunday. For me, that is. Work in the morning, a lot of people contact, a piano lesson, a walk in the forest preserves in the afternoon.

A beautiful day, from start to finish. A lot for me to be grateful for.

At the end of the day, it’s important for me to talk to God and thank God for everything I have received. I’ve found a brief prayer form of St. Ignatius, the Daily Examen, or daily inventory. The second part of the inventory has to do with being grateful. Here’s a brief description from a handy Ignatian website:

“2. Review the day with gratitude. Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God. Walk through your day in the presence of God and note its joys and delights. Focus on the day’s gifts. Look at the work you did, the people you interacted with. What did you receive from these people? What did you give them? Pay attention to small things—the food you ate, the sights you saw, and other seemingly small pleasures. God is in the details.” [1]

“Focus on the day’s gifts.” Gifts! What have I received today? Each day I received something good. Something worthwhile. Whether it’s friendly words, or deeds of service, or gifts of kindness, any or all of these are fine examples to me of good and gracious gifts from above.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for the gift of the Daily Examen. Thanks for the honesty and openness it takes to assist me in receiving these many things from You. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

@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 sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray

Becoming Aware of God—in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, May 16, 2015

Becoming Aware of God—in Prayer

Today has been a busy day. A really, really busy day. I’ve been preparing for a special service at the church for the past week, and today was involved in final-final preparations. I enjoyed it! However, I haven’t had much time to even turn around, much less enjoy the beauty of an absolutely perfect May day. Gorgeous weather.

I suppose this is a perfect time for me to start with a brief prayer form of St. Ignatius, the Daily Examen. Taking inventory of the day just passed.

“ 1. Become aware of God’s presence. Look back on the events of the day in the company of the Holy Spirit. The day may seem confusing to you—a blur, a jumble, a muddle. Ask God to bring clarity and understanding.” [1]

Yes, God was in my day today. Is that a surprise to me? Do I expect God to be there? Or, somehow, just out to lunch. Or, with the phone off the hook so I can’t get in touch.

I know, I know. If God seems far away, who moved? That old saying only goes so far. I know harboring fear, anxiety, resentment, and/or anger in my heart and mind is damaging to my spiritual health! Oh, yes. I know that, very well. But, I can’t be confused forever. I am encouraged to look and listen to the events, conversations, and personal actions of today.

That’s the marvelous-est thing. I can look at the past twenty-four hours at the end of each day. The Holy Spirit will help me take inventory, and this kind of action and conversation will become easier and easier. Dear Holy Spirit, thanks for helping me in prayer!

@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 sermons from

[1] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray

A Daily Examination, or Inventory

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, May 15, 2015

A Daily Examination, or Inventory

I went to a seminar this morning. The topic of the seminar was self-care, which was helpful to me as someone who works with people. Having so much and such intimate contact with others can deplete me, internally. So, self-care is something I must pay close attention to.

Yes, taking time to do beneficial things for myself is a wonderful way to do self-care. However, there is another way of maintaining balance and caring for myself, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually: doing a regular inventory.

I know about this practice. Yes, because I have learned about prayer and meditation, and learned about the spiritual practices involved in spiritual formation. In other words, I have a good introduction to this spiritual side of things. But—I was also thinking about the 12 Steps of the Recovery program. (Specifically Step 10.)

I have a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, so I know a few things about the Recovery program. One of the important aspects of the 12 Steps is taking care of one’s shortcomings and mistakes, promptly. In other words, “cleaning my side of the street.” Making sure that there are as few difficulties and mistakes left hanging. I consider this to be an excellent way of dealing with fear, anxiety and resentment, and I have recommended a regular Step 10 to a number of people over the years.

Under the general topic of Ignatian prayer and meditation comes something very similar to the Step 10 inventory: the Daily Examen, or examination of one’s own spiritual state at the end of the day. Perhaps I ought to simply show a brief form of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1.     Become aware of God’s presence.
   2. Review the day with gratitude.
   3. Pay attention to your emotions.
   4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
   5. Look toward tomorrow. [1]

I will be looking more closely at this way of praying and taking inventory in the next few days. I am looking forward to it! God willing, I hope and pray that it will be fruitful in my life. Stay tuned.

@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 sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen (A service of Loyola Press.)