Be Present in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, February 27, 2017

Be Present in Prayer

As I read the short passage this evening from the book How to Sit, I was struck by how much common sense was to be found in this brief reading. “When we have the capacity to be peaceful and joyful as we sit, we can sit anywhere.” [1] Yes, that is correct. The quote says “we can sit anywhere.” That is anywhere, in peace and joy.

When I am anxious or fearful, this is an option for me. When I am angry or jealous or depressed, again—this is an option for me. Being in the present moment, striving after peace and joy.

From what I understand, peace and joy flow into the sitting, and being present. Prayer and meditation are part and parcel of sitting, and being present. This practice is simple, and straight forward. NOT easy, but it is simple. “We are not pulled away by the past, the future, or by anger or jealousy in the present. When we sit like that, we sit as a free person.” [2]

Then, as I sit in prayer and meditation, I am free. I am not bound by strong, difficult emotions. My insides are not tied up in knots, and I can approach the Holy freely. What a gift.

Gracious God, thank You for showing me this option. Thank You for giving me possibilities in this life. Forgive me for disregarding You and Your kindness to me. Help us walk close by You from this day forward. In Jesus’ precious name we all pray, amen.

@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] How to Sit, Thich Nhat Hanh. (Berkeley, California: Parallax Press, 2014), 82.

[2] Ibid.

This Do. Jesus Said So.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, April 9, 2015

This Do. Jesus Said So.

I read the passage set out for me, today, for Thursday of Easter Week. Mark 14, specifically the description of the Passover dinner Jesus celebrated with His disciples.

Mark’s usual terse words—almost journalistic in their simplicity—were made a little more descriptive, in this instance. Describing the way the disciples were to find a place, a room in the undoubtably busy city of Jerusalem, at the most congested time of the year. But Mark returns to his spare depiction as he describes the meal itself, and the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

I couldn’t help but be drawn to the words of institution. You see, I was just commissioned several weeks ago. Prayers said, hands laid on me. So, Holy Week was the first occasion of my celebrating the Lord’s Supper as pastor of a small congregation. It was a moving experience. A memorable time. And then, on Easter Sunday, the first Sunday in April, our church celebrated communion again.

Take, eat. This do. Drink ye all of it. Jesus said so.

I have always had a special reverence for communion, ever since I was a girl. I take the words of the apostle Paul quite seriously when he stated—in all seriousness—that as often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again.

I’ve been able to lead in worship ever since seminary. It’s been a number of years—quite a number of worship services at retirement facilities, and sometimes substituting for my minister friends. Now, I am commissioned. The especially new part for me is celebrating and officiating at the Lord’s Supper. It was, indeed, a joyful occasion for me.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, we come to You this day, praising Your name. Thinking of the celebration of Easter. Remembering the Lord Jesus and His death, until He comes again. Help us to remember You in all we do, Lord Jesus, especially when we eat this bread and drink this cup. You told us it was important. Thank You for this physical, tangible reminder of You. It is in Jesus’ blessed, risen name we pray, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

Day #6 – Saying Thank You? Praying, As Well!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Day #6 – Saying Thank You? Praying, As Well!

Today’s suggestion of generosity is one I can really sink my teeth into! As the 40acts post says, gratitude is one of the best catalysts for generosity. Gratitude and thankfulness are closely related. When you and I are thankful, isn’t it natural to wish to share that gratitude? Sharing the blessing(s) we received is often natural, too.

I have been on a journey. A multi-year journey, in which I have traversed emotional mountain ranges, huge spiritual deserts, and rocky denominational terrain. In the midst of it all, I have finally found a home in the Federation of Christian Ministries, an ecumenical, non-denominational association of Christians. This community encourages all of its members in their personal and individual ministerial activities.

After much prayerful consideration and discussion with some trusted, mature spiritual mentors and companions, I put my name (and a whole lot of paperwork) in for consideration with the FCM Circle of Directors. The Circle prayerfully considered me and a group of other members, and I received the joyful news that I—and a number of other FCM members—have been approved for commissioning. That’s the equivalent of ordination. So, in just a few weeks, I and several others will joyfully have a commissioning service at my church in the Chicago suburbs. Thank God!

You better believe I have sent out a number of sincere “thank you notes” to my many friends, colleagues and mentors in the past two weeks! This occasion is a radically joyful one for me. The beginning of a whole new stage in ministry. And, an occasion to let many people know how grateful, thankful and humbled I am for their constancy, friendship, encouragement and support.

So, I am advised to take some time to express my gratitude. (Oh, yes!! Abundant, even overflowing gratitude and thankfulness!) And, I am advised to let someone—even a lot of people!—know they are fully appreciated.

Thankful. And grateful. And so appreciative, too.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

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 .