Pray for Peace (in a Contemporary Way)

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Pray for Peace (in a Contemporary Way)

How fascinating to contemplate peace. Interesting? Much more than that. Truly mind-altering.

When I consider peaceful thoughts, and meditation on peaceful subjects, my mind slows down to a more manageable speed. My breathing slows to a deeper in and out—slowly, in—slowly, out. I can feel my shoulders and back becoming less tense, more relaxed.

My yoga instructor, Ine, is a retired nurse. She regularly tells her class that the deep breathing and calming relaxation of yoga is beneficial in several important ways—including lowering the blood pressure, assisting in opening up the airway, and allowing the diaphragm to move freely.

That’s how I felt as I read through this prayer from The Oxford Book of Prayer.[1] It is taken from Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship. It’s short enough that I will quote it in full:

“Show us, good Lord,/the peace we should seek/the peace we must give,/the peace we can keep,/ the peace we must forgo, and the peace You have given us in Jesus our Lord.” [2]

Differing aspects of peace, yet all of them can be said to be gentle and quiet. Peace is not often loud and boisterous! Often quiet and unassuming. Take, for example, this short prayer. If prayed slowly, earnestly, from the heart, it will have a good chance of having those calming benefits my yoga teacher talks about. (Try it, and see!)

Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for the benefits of pursuing peace. I can see the wonderful reaction peace has on my tense, stressed-out body. Thank You for allowing me to learn more about many different aspects of peace, calm, prayer, and meditation. Help me to be able to practice these several actions, regularly. I know You are pleased when I do! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

P.S. Watch this space for Pursuing PEACE. A Project that is also a listening tour. Listen. Share. Pursue PEACE. Coming TOMORROW for Lent!

@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] The Oxford Book of Prayer, edited by George Appleton. (New York: Oxford University Press, reissued 2009), 80.

[2] Ibid.

Guard My Tongue, I Pray

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Guard My Tongue, I Pray

I can’t always guard my tongue. I mean, I have put my foot into my mouth a goodly amount of times. Perhaps it comes from growing up as a chubby, socially-awkward kid, and turning into a chunky, gauche adolescent. I suspect that has something to do with it.

Regardless, I know I can do better. God would be pleased if I tried to do better. Our words and our speech can be so powerful. I have choices. I can use positive, encouraging words with others, or I can speak hateful, negative words, which would cause lots of people to dislike me and avoid me when I am around. It’s my choice.

I know my words, thoughts and actions all display what is in my mind and heart. If I think respectful thoughts and feel encouraging feelings in my heart, I will be that much more likely to be positive in my interactions. That means my interactions with acquaintances and friends will be affected, as well as my relationships with family and close friends.

What a way to please God. And, it’s a way to be kind, thoughtful, and open to others. On top of that, I think God will be more than happy to help, in this instance. A lifelong pursuit of positive, encouraging words, that build up and don’t knock down.

Dear Lord, gracious God, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

@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