Calm Amidst the Storm, Praying

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, January 6, 2017

 

Calm Amidst the Storm, Praying

As I was reading the slim book “How to Sit” this evening, I was struck by the analogy given. Of anxious people on board a boat, at sea, in the middle of a storm. And, one person’s calm demeanor became what calmed the whole boatload of passengers.

I don’t want to bend over backwards to pat myself on the back, but I have noticed that I am that person, sometimes. I have a calm, less-anxious presence, at times. (I’ve noticed this, and so have my former chaplain supervisors.) Whether in a health care setting, or a funeral home, or in a tense situation outside the church, sometimes I help to bring a bit of calmness and serenity into an anxious or awkward or scary or angry situation.

When I considered this attitude lifted up by the book earlier this evening, I did not pray all that much. Instead, I found myself reflecting on this kind of attitude. A calm, less-anxious kind of attitude. I really do thank God that I can be that person, sometimes. I know I have been trained as a chaplain, and trained to express that kind of attitude, but some of it is natural.

I am so glad I have gravitated to a line of work where I can express these kinds of attitudes and talents. I know I need to continue to keep my attitudes and actions sharp, and be certain of continuing to reach out in care and concern. God willing, those will be the kinds of things that others will help me in doing. I pray that some here will work with me, so we all can support each other. One day at a time. (God, thank You!)

@chaplaineliza

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Sixth Sunday in Lent – Be Gracious to Me, Lord! Please!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sixth Sunday in Lent – Be Gracious to Me, Lord! Please!

Reading the Psalm for today, Psalm 56, I found myself plunged into that dark, scary emotional hole. Yet another time. This time, I wasn’t there to stay for a while. I recognized that pit, and I hesitated before I dove in. Yay, me!

Ever have the experience of enemies rising up against you? Fighting against you? King David sure did! Yet, he was able to go to the Lord and take refuge in Him.

I can remember several times when my negative momentum got the best of me, and carried me down into depression. I am glad I didn’t have such serious enemies threatening me, like David did! I praise God that I can count on Him, whenever I need to. As David said, if God is for me, what can mere mortals do to me?

I am grateful to my friends, spiritual leaders and pastors, and especially God. Some combination of them all help keep me centered and spiritually healthy. Thank You, 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 .

Adventures in Forgiveness

matterofprayer blog post for Saturday, January 25, 2014

Adventures in Forgiveness

I’ve been reflecting on forgiveness this week. Off and on, I mean. So much so that I prayed and meditated on it. I used a verse that I usually do not use for in-depth meditation, simply because it’s so worn out and well-used (to my mind) that I usually can’t think of anything else to say about it. I’m talking about the verse on forgiveness from the Lord’s Prayer. “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” However, I did happen to think of a few new things this week.

God, I know that this verse tells me that I really need to forgive others. After all, what I am saying (and hopefully, agreeing with You when I pray) is that I want You, God, to forgive me. This is in the same way/to the same proportion as I forgive other people. Now, if I really think about this proposition in depth, I must admit. It’s quite scary. I am not the most unforgiving person, true. But if I hold on to any unforgiveness in my heart, it would be hypocritical to expect God to continue to forgive me freely. If I really and truly expect the Lord’s Prayer to mean anything at all, that is.

I think most people would agree that this is a very scary proposition. I’ve known several individuals who were particularly unforgiving. From what I knew of them, they considered themselves to be “good Christians.” However, having such a mean, pinched attitude where they would not deign to even consider forgiving certain others? Regardless of what “unforgivable sins” had been committed, whether or not “egregious slights” or sins of omission had been perpetrated, I would be scared to death to consider the consequences.

This is serious stuff, here! I’m not one to make bargains with God, but I consider this forgiving (or NOT forgiving) to be of paramount importance.

Let’s pray. God, I’m getting down on my knees. I pray that I truly forgive those who have sinned against me, in any way. I know that You have forgiven me—and I fall on my face in absolute wonder and amazement at such love, mercy and grace. As far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed our transgressions from us. Thank You! Dear God, remove any hypocritical notion of self-sufficiency from our hearts, and banish any spirit of unforgiveness from us. Thank You for the freedom and the ability to stand before You and honestly, earnestly say, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” In Your mercy, Lord, hear our prayer.

@chaplaineliza