Simone Weil, Praying the “Our Father”

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Simone Weil, Praying the “Our Father”

Here is another brilliant pray-er. (Educated in philosophy, and experienced as a teacher!) Simone Weil had such a multi-layered relationship with God. As one of the foremost twentieth century mystics, she wrote essays about prayer and her contemplative experience.

In this edited, gathered collection of selected writings, Richard Foster has Ms. Weil discussing the Lord’s Prayer. She runs through each petition, and gives a short commentary about each one. Of course, each extended paragraph—as commentary—has so much packed into it. I am simply amazed at the theological depth of this loved one of God.

That said, one sentence cut me to the heart, even more than the rest of her penetrating comments. In her paragraph discussing “Our Father, which art in heaven,” she says “We do not have to search for Him, we only have to change the direction in which we are looking.” [1]

It is as if the blindfold has been taken off, and I’ve been turned around to look the right way. By changing the direction I look, I change my attitude, and my impressions of life, of others and of my situation. I change focus. Almost imperceptibly, I find myself changing from the inside out.

As Richard Foster mentions afterwards, our Lord Jesus prayed this prayer in a teaching moment. “By responding to their request with the “Our Father” Jesus shows Himself to be the absolute Master of prayer, as He is of all matters of life.” [2]

Truly, the Rabbi Jesus prayed a prayer for the ages, interpreted in dozens of ways. Jesus knew very well about trials and temptations, as well as daily bread and the Kingdom of God. No matter the situation, no matter the location. No matter what. Thank God for the “Our Father.”

@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] Spiritual Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster and Emilie Griffin. (San Francisco, California: HarperSanFrancisco, 2000), 48.

[2] Ibid, 53.

Repent and Believe!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, July 20, 2015

Repent and Believe!

As I am here at the mission conference, I am hearing lots of bible verses each day. Every day, during the conference. Yes, I was moved by certain things each day. However, what I am consistently moved by are the words of the Gospel writer Mark.

I love Mark. If Mark had been born in the 20^th century, I suspect he would have been a journalist. He has the attitude, “The facts. Just the facts, ma’am.” I know his Gospel was directed more towards a Roman audience. The Romans had a much more direct attitude and approach toward life, as well. Not with as much elaboration of description as Dr. Luke.

Have I mentioned how much I appreciate my book Praying the New Testament as Psalms? We,, I do appreciate it. I need to give this modern verse to the readers who read my blog.

“The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God has come near./Repent and believe the Good News.” [1] This is taken from the first chapter of Mark.

Lord, as I’m here at the conference, I regularly hear about people delivering the Good News. And, I am so glad! These words of Mark convict me, Lord. Convince me, encourage and empower me that I get involved, so that. I can tell others about Jesus. 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] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 166.