Busy Day Prayers

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, November 12, 2016

Busy Day Prayers

Ever have a busy day that just flowed by? Not crazy-busy, not frantic and frazzled, but a day when everything was moving by at a good speed? An enjoyable speed?

That was my day today. And, into tonight.

Looking back on the 24-hour period, I got a lot done. True, I do have a couple of mild regrets. I wish I had paid attention to two more things, and accomplished something there, too. But, overall, I had a satisfying day.

Yoga. If I had done nothing else all day, I would have considered this a good day with just the yoga. (Of course, my marvelous yoga teacher made it an exceptional yoga class. But, still. Yoga is wonderful, generally speaking.)

On top of that, I enjoyed everything I did today. Stopped at a garden store and bought a few supplies—and some Christmas tree ornaments. Visited someone sweet at a health care center. On the way home, ran in a store. Stopped off at church, dropped off some supplies, and made a pretty seasonal display.

I particularly enjoyed being artistic. It nurtured something deep within that does not often get fed. I suspect I found such pleasure in today because it utilized varied and different parts of me, So fulfilling. It stretched me in ways I haven’t been challenged in some time. But, not too much—a comfortable challenge.

Then, of course, writing. Several different things, including this post.

What a varied, busy time, sprinkled with prayer. With a backdrop of a gorgeous fall day, I’d very much like another day like today. Dear God, thank You. Thank You so much.

@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

 

A Very Welcome Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, October 17, 2016

A Very Welcome Prayer

When I read this prayer several days ago, I was struck by it. Almost, charmed. I love Fr. Thomas Keating, certainly. But this prayer, in particular?

I see the Welcome Prayer as healing. Also, nurturing. I see the Welcome Prayer as cleansing and almost abrasive (in a steelwool cleaning pad kind of a way). And, I see the Welcome Prayer as humbling and gentle; when I pray it for myself, I mean.

Here it is:

The Welcome Prayer as written by Father Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk:

Welcome, welcome, welcome. I welcome everything that comes to me today because I know it’s for my healing. I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations and conditions.

I let go of my desire for power and control. I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval and pleasure. I let go of my desire for survival and security. I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person or myself.

I open to the love and presence of God and God’s action within. Amen.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

 

A Very Welcome Prayer  #matterofprayer #socialjustice

Praying, Sleeping Peacefully

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, September 1, 2016

Praying, Sleeping Peacefully

This is a new month, a month in which many in this world remember peace. I wanted to focus on selected bible verses that feature peace prominently.

First, Psalm 4:8.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for You alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

This psalm is a psalm of David. David writes here about insomnia. (I’m only partially being tongue in cheek.) Seriously, the author writes about having disturbed sleep. And, he suggested a method of prayer in which the faithful seek the Lord. Plus, he warns against “sin” by thinking honestly and openly about sinful things he’s done. Not covering them up.

This method is simple and straightforward. This is one way David found to avoid tossing and turning on his bed every day. Be honest and open. And, the Lord will bless David with peace. Peace and safety.

What a positive, nurturing thing to do. How wonderful to have the possibility of restful sleep. And peace. God’s peace.

Gracious God, thank You for offering us a cure for insomnia. Sin-induced insomnia. God, help me to continue to come to You with difficulties, mistakes, problems, sin. Thank You for forgiving me and loving me—forgiving us and loving us. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our a

@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.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Community (Repost)

Just reposted this to my new Facebook page, Pursuing Peace. Also, to my blog, matterofprayerblog.wordpress.com

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, February 12, 2016

PEACE is Community

As I ask people for their personal definition of PEACE, I am intrigued by the ones who have to think hard about the decision. Sometimes, taking a good deal of time for the answer. And, I am equally impressed by the ones who immediately know what their definition is going to be.

Today’s definition falls into the latter category. The name of the person I talked to? Karen Hohl. Her personal definition of peace: PEACE is Community.

Fascinating definition! I never, ever thought of that word before. A breath of fresh air.

When I asked Karen for a sentence or two of explanation about her choice of definition, She was quick on the draw with the following words and thoughts. “When I think of Peace I think of community. [To me] means sharing with others, caring about others, understanding and respecting our individuality and uniqueness, similarities and differences. All are essential to building and nurturing a healthy peace as comm-unity.”

Such a wonderful way to think of community. According to Karen, sharing, caring, understanding and respecting are all hallmarks of a peace-filled community. Another way of saying it, I think, is a community that actively strives for peace.

Karen is one of the conveners of the Des Plaines Ministerial Alliance, and an instrumental part of the DPMA. I have heard—a number of times—that Karen is a marvel at lifting up the work and ministries of the different houses of worship and nonprofit organizations that make up the DPMA. She is a minister at large at the moment, and is looking for a good fit for employment. Her skills for detail and office management, and gifts of compassion, encouragement, love, and organization make her a marvelous addition to any ministry or nonprofit organization.

We can pray that Karen finds a community that appreciates her many skills and gifts. Dear Lord, thank You for Karen and her love for the community, both local and more wide-reaching. Please support and encourage her heart as she continues to look for a good fit, in terms of employment. God, bless her richly today. Amen!

@chaplaineliza

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

PEACE: Belonging/Positive Environment

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, March 29, 2016

PEACE: Belonging/Positive Environment

As I continue on my Pursuing PEACE Project, I include another two personal definitions of PEACE.

(Thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the cafeteria and set up a table. Thanks, members of the Oakton Christian Fellowship, for sitting with me and providing a welcome, too.)

Two students had wonderful definitions. I thought Matthew’s was awesome! Sadly, he did not have time to stay and explain why he put down the definition he did. Here is his personal definition: “PEACE is a positive environment and open, in a peaceful place.”

Kayla’s personal definition also was along similar lines: “PEACE = feeling belonging in your family and community.”

As I asked her to explain more about that point of view, she said earnestly, “It’s when you feel PEACE within yourself. Also, when you feel connected to others, and they support you.”

Thinking about both Matthew’s definition and Kayla’s definition, I get the idea of a big, wide, open, spacious place. A peaceful place. A place where I—and everyone else who is there—have no need of fear or anxiety. A place of belonging. A place where there is no time pressure or hurry-scurry, or deadlines. A place where everyone is positive, friendly, nurturing, and encouraging. (And, the best part is, people are all that way naturally.)

A place like that would be marvelous. Almost, heavenly. (I wonder whether heaven will be anything like that?) Dear Lord, gracious God, please show me—show us the way to get to a place like that. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

(Thanks to both Matthew and to Kayla. Blessings on your schoolwork!)

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School later this week, after Easter. Have a great Spring Break and a joyful Easter celebration!)

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

Prayers for Integrity

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, January 15, 2016

Prayers for Integrity

What’s integrity? I can hear it described, and it just doesn’t have the impact I get when I can see it in action. What’s integrity, you ask? Integrity is who you are when no one is watching. Integrity is what you do when the spotlight is turned off and people go home. Standing up and being counted.

Integrity. Important.

Having a teachable spirit is so important. A nurturing approach works well, too!

Dear Lord, help me to develop integrity—teachableness—nurture and caring. I know that I fall short, God. Thank You for the ability to learn from others, and to listen to wisdom. I direct this prayer to You as we consider speaking words that edify and not tear down; acting to please You above all things; and living a life that is honest, open, and willing to be counted. Standing up for Godly choices. Having integrity. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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

Focus on Immanuel, God With Us

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, September 17, 2015

Focus on Immanuel, God With Us

Today’s Name of God? This is one of the words I have used a number of times in the past for meditation and Centering Prayer! Really. Really and truly. Yes, my word—Name of God for today is Immanuel.

Except—I couldn’t quite focus, or settle down to pray in depth. I set my alarm for twenty minutes. Yes. I sat in my comfortable computer chair (with back support). Yes. But as I tried to settle and pray and focus on “Immanuel,” my silly brain kept skittering off in all directions.

“Immanuel” comes from Isaiah, chapter 7: “¹⁴ Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.“ This Name means “God with us,” a particularly meaningful Name to me. For years, when I recalled this Name of God, I’ve known God is not far away, distant or remote. That thought is not only reassuring but also comforting. My God is present, and right by my side.

It was rainy this afternoon and evening, with a powerful storm blowing through the city. I spent a while on the road, especially coming back from a late lunch south of downtown. Yes, I remembered all that about God. I wasn’t concentrating on the mighty and powerful aspects of God, but on the loving, nurturing and comforting part.

Immanuel, God with us. God with me. Dear God, thank You for being there for me. Thank You for loving and caring for me, so much that You would come alongside of me. No matter what.

@chaplaineliza

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

Sacred Impulse = Soul Impulse

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, June 25, 2015

Sacred Impulse = Soul Impulse

Boy, could I relate to this chapter in Handbook for the Soul. What Jacob Needleman led off with was exactly what my former associate said, on a regular basis. Basic physiology and psychology all during the 20^th century claimed that there was no (or, at best, very little) credence in the idea of Soul or spirituality.

My former associate—in a tiny program which had as a major component video/computer/distance learning—saw helpfulness in the narratives of the Bible, regardless of the faith tradition or belief structure held by the curious one. People haven’t changed over the centuries–and the Bible is chock full of narratives highlighting struggles and development of the Soul.

Needleman spoke further, concerned that the connection between each person’s Soul and the sacred impulse were not being named. “Widespread signs throughout the world indicate that our modern culture has left something out. That ‘something’ is the Soul.” [1]

It’s true that the search for a deeper knowledge of the Soul has been going on for a long time; but Needleman suggests that Western civilization could be on the brink of re-learning about Soul. Widespread, enthusiastic interest in all kinds of areas? Noted, thank you! That foundation of Soul needs to be nurtured, developed. And what is one of the best ways to develop that nurturing sacred place within? “To find other people who have the same kind of aim and associate with them. . . Together, you support the search for nourishing the soul.” [2]

Truth, love, service, meditation, silence. These are a few of Needleman’s top ways to (re-)integrate the Soul. Would you like to embark on a journey for Soul? For the sacred within? God willing, yes. I’ll strive to get closer to You, too, 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] Handbook for the Soul, Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, editors. (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1995.), 156.

[2] Ibid, 158.

How to Nourish My Soul? With Love.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, June 6, 2015

How to Nourish My Soul? With Love.

Growing, nourishing, stretching my soul. All good things to do.

I remember digging in my mother’s garden. Fork up the dirt, turn over the soil, rake until the rich black dirt is prepared for planting. Either plant seeds or replant the vegetable plants. So pretty! So satisfying. Such a memorable feeling.

Just like growing, stretching plants in a garden, so also with my nourished soul. Joan Borysenko mentioned that another way the soul is nourished is when giving and receiving love. Yet a third way is to pull together, in community; what a way to nourish our souls, jointly!

Growth lets me know not only that I am alive, but grief and pain help me understand myself better—or is it more fully?

As Borysenko tells me, in this chapter from Handbook for the Soul, “we can either waste away from our wounds or use them to grow our souls. . . . I have always said that no one heals alone—we heal through and for one another. In Judaism this is referred to as Tikkun Olan, the healing or restoration of the world, a kind of collective soul work.” [1]

Whether separately or together, each of us can care for our souls. I think this is an important aspect to be learned from this chapter. Especially one final way to nourish the soul: self-care, with loving kindness. Taking time, taking care of myself is so important. If I nourish my own internal being, my own soul, I will certainly become a better giver to others.

This self-care, soul-care helps me give more easily, forgive more readily, and love more genuinely. All good things. So, help me, 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] Handbook for the Soul, Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, editors. (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1995), 46.

Day #38 – Can I Open Up?

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, April 2, 2015

Day #38 – Can I Open Up?

I am guilty, I admit it. I have quickly responded “I’m fine!” to the question “How are you?” Even when I was not, really, fine.

Sometimes, I knew that the person asking was only looking for a quick answer. Even, a superficial answer. Merely passing the time of day. Occasionally, I suspected the person asking me the question was making acceptable or expected social noises. (You can feel in your gut and know deep down when that happens. I don’t need to spell it out.)

But sometimes. Sometimes. The person was truly, honestly looking for information. Wishing for a connection. Striving to develop that relationship. And I? I was having none of it. Or, perhaps even worse, I just did not have time.

Mea culpa, Lord. Mea culpa.

At least I regularly show others that I am interested in their extended answers! When I do the same thing, ask the same questions, I sometimes get the long answer from my conversation partner, and that’s okay. Sometimes, it is more than okay. Showing emotion and crying and letting down one’s guard? Totally okay, as far as I am concerned.

Goodness knows that I have sometimes been guilty of it, and answered back in a dismissive or evasive response. Or, simply been too busy to engage.

My current job does complicate things, though. I am a pastor at a local church. I do try to be accessible, open, affirming, nurturing, and interested in everyone I meet. I really do try! Yet, I need to maintain some degree of professionalism. Remain warm and engaged, with a healthy dose of empathetic understanding. Plus, balance that with some basic relational, psychological and emotional engagement principles. It is a juggling, balancing act, to be sure!

Thank goodness that I have some good friends and acquaintances outside of my work. I especially appreciate the people I am now connected to through the Internet. Through Facebook, and Twitter. Two particular groups of people allow me to be honest, open and genuine. I can engage in lively debate, friendly (sometimes snarky) banter, and downright foolishness, if I want to! I feel I can lay down my cards on the table, and don’t need to be as careful of professional boundaries. What freedom!

So, yes. I have been aware of the ubiquitous “How are you?” and the tepid response “I’m fine” for the past few years. And God is working with me, with that. God really is. I know. I do appreciate the reminder. Good to be brought back to what is important in life. Again. Thanks, God!

@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 .