Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Enjoying Prayer and Meditation
When I slow down and get ready for prayer and meditation, I sometimes find myself automatically loosening up my shoulders, taking slow and even deep breaths, settling myself comfortably, or turning my head gradually from side to side. All this is my way of getting ready.
Thich Nhat Hanh has similar advice for his readers: “Set aside a room or a corner or a cushion that you use just for sitting. When you arrive there, you will immediately begin to feel some of the joy and relaxation that comes from sitting.” [1]
Relaxation and calmness are with me, and a part of me, most of the time now when I pray. However, I sometimes still find it difficult to generate the joy that the monk talks about here in this section from the book How to Sit. This is one of my current challenges, I know. (I am working on it.)
Gracious God, this quote reminds me of what joy and happiness can be found in prayer and meditation…Thich Nhat Hanh shows it so clearly. I know I ought to strive for that same joy. But—I feel the challenge. I realize this is difficult for me. Heck, I really am excited about feeling relaxed and calm most times, when I pray! (Much less feeling joy. One step at a time. That is what I keep telling myself.) Dear God, help me to persevere. And, thanks for the wonderful, unexplored world of prayer. I know I’ve just gotten started, in prayer. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.
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] How to Sit, Thich Nhat Hanh. (Berkeley, California: Parallax Press, 2014), 53.
Full of Grace and Encouragement. Prayer, Too!
Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, April 13, 2015
Full of Grace and Encouragement. Prayer, Too!
Barnabas is mentioned just a few times in the book of Acts, but always with such encouragement! That was Barnabas, all over. (I’m talking about Acts 11, now.)
Yes, I have some of the gift of encouragement. I enjoy building up others with the joy of God. If people are doing something right, my first impulse is to comment and tell them so!
I wonder. How often do others have that impulse?
The other leaders in the beginning of church movement wanted to check out what was going on in Antioch. They were truly led by God in their choice of investigators. Who better to investigate, verify and report back?
Dear God, help me to be encouraging, positive, loving and caring with others. And when I get placed in situations where others are doing something questionable, Lord, help me to always follow Your will and ways, especially when dealing with others.
@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 #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .
(also published at www.matterofprayer.net
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