Pray in the Presence of God

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, December 10, 2015

Pray in the Presence of God

I try to remember God. Really, I do. But—it’s so difficult, sometimes. I forget. God slips my mind, sometimes. How can that be, I ask myself? (!!!) Forgive me, God.

Reading in the Advent book of reflections for today, Henri Nouwen talked about forgetting God. About how humans here on this earth, here in this plane of existence, pre-empt my attention and my direction.

I need to direct my thoughts to God, to give as much as possible of my heart, soul and mind to God. Not to have my heart, soul and mind redirected. I know, I know. It is so simple to just allow it to happen. To allow my heart, soul and mind to drift away from God.

Nouwen’s words cut me to the quick: “Jesus’ claim is much more radical. He asks for a single-minded commitment to God and God alone. God wants all of our heart, all of our mind, and all of our soul.” [1]

For the Advent Action of the day, I am advised to go through the “old tapes” that play inside my head, those “tapes” that do not allow me to acknowledge God’s love for me. “Pick one ‘tape:’ a resentment, a belittlement, a loss, and pack it away permanently in exchange for the shelter of a loved and loving God.” [2]

Dear Lord Jesus, You love me. You really do. And, You want me to be all I can be. You want me to give all—that is ALL—of myself to You. Help me to be willing to be willing. Help me as I wait for You and Your coming. It’s in Your name I pray, 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] Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen (Linguori, Missouri: Redemptorist Pastoral Publications, 2004), 24.

[2] Ibid, 25.

Pray. End of the Month.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, August 31, 2015

Pray. End of the Month.

As I started to unpack the last few mitts of great awareness on this 31^st day of August, I knew what I would be writing about. Simeon’s song, at the end of Compline. (Also known as the Canticle of Simeon, or the Nunc dimittis.)

Simeon’s words were sung when the baby Jesus had been brought to the Temple. And, Simeon recognized who the baby Jesus was and what He would grow up to be and become. This reading from the Gospel of Luke holds huge significance to me. In the Lutheran church where I was a child, I remember the Nunc dimittis closing each Sunday morning worship service.

In the structure of Compline (or, Night Prayer), “The service concludes with 1) a calling on God for protection through the coming night and 2) a simple blessing.” [1] The Canticle of Simeon is a most appropriate ending to prayer.

I will miss these reflections on the website’s www.dailyoffice.org Evening Service. I have greatly appreciated this month. Tomorrow begins another month. Another practice of prayer.

It is so appropriate to close tonight’s prayer with the Nunc dimittis:

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:

your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

A light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Amen. Alleluia.

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

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] https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/night/introstructurenotes.aspx