Study, by Lilias Trotter

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Study, by Lilias Trotter

I was introduced to a writer I had never heard of before: Lilias Trotter. Her life and adventures sound fascinating. Traveling from a privileged life in upper class London to a mission in North Africa, ministering to the poor of Algeria—quite a story. Quite a life.

Yes, she was a compassionate leader in the region who cared deeply for children. What is more, Ms. Trotter was “welcomed as a spiritual authority figure by Arab leaders.” [1] Impressive, indeed.

As the commentator goes in depth to the themes she discusses, I see some familiar themes. The sheep and the sheepfold of John 10, as well as the hireling and the wolf. Good stuff, here!

However, what touched me the most deeply was something at the beginning of this reading. God has been preparing her readers over the years for leadership that comes from God. “You yield this obedience, first to the founder (waly) of your order, and under him to the sheikh representing him, who can interpret his teaching into your daily life.” [2]

The idea of God being the sheikh fueled my imagination! Believe me when I say that I got all excited. I read Ms. Trotter’s description of the sheikh in this paragraph: “You feel that your sheikh knows you through and through, and into his hands you deliver yourself.” [3]

Quite different view from what I am used to! It is good for me to be shaken up. (Lord, isn‘t it?)

Dear Lord, help me to be regularly shaken up. In Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@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), 86.

[2] Ibid, 87.

[3] Ibid.

Response from Scattered Sheep.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, April 30, 2015

Response from Scattered Sheep.

Another passage about sheep. And a shepherd. You’d think there was something going on, what with this continuing sheep/shepherd motif. (Kidding! Actually, it’s a marvelous image.)

As I read this passage from Ezekiel 34:11-16 from the daily lectionary reading, I was touched so much by the description of God as our Shepherd. Rounding up the sheep who are far away. Rescuing those who are in trouble. Gathering them together, and caring for the many, many sheep from all over the pasture.

How am I to respond to this loving, caring, rescuing Shepherd?

As I read the accompanying reading for reflection for today, I was struck by what a perfect response it would be. It comes from a Vocation Prayer, from the Beech Grove Benedictine Community. As I read through it, this prayer went straight to my heart. My insides. My gut. Here it is. What a response to God.

“O Lord, You know me. You know when I sit and when I stand. You have me always present in Your mind. For this, Lord, I thank You.

“You know the path for my life and what is best for me. Lord, reveal to me the path that I am to walk.

“Bless me and guide me and be Lord to me so that whichever road I take I may do all for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

What else is there to say? Such a marvelous response. Such an earnest, heartfelt prayer. Dear Lord, as I echo the words of this prayer, hear me. Guide me. Reveal the path I am to walk. In Jesus’ risen and rescuing name I pray, Lord.

@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 #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

The Runaway Bunny—I Mean, Sheep

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Illustration from “The Runaway Bunny”
by Margaret Wise Brown
Pictures by Clement Hurd

The Runaway Bunny—I Mean, Sheep

This week’s daily lectionary readings have a great deal to do with shepherds and sheep. (Among other, related matters.) However, I immediately associated today’s reading for reflection with one of my favorite picture books: “The Runaway Bunny.”

Today’s reading for reflection is several paragraphs from “Prayer” by Simon Tugwell. In that reading, I was deeply moved by the following: “ . . . very often, we are not looking for God; far from it, we are in full flight from Him.”

Sure enough, I immediately connected this reading with “The Runaway Bunny.” The simple story has two characters, a little bunny and his mother bunny. The little bunny has wanderlust, and wants to strike out on his own. Run away. Unheeding. The mother bunny pursues him, lovingly, diligently, persistently. In the words of Margaret Wise Brown, “If you run away, I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.”

We are not the ones who need to look for God. Instead, God comes looking for me. Lovingly, diligently, persistently. Even though I am heedless. Even though I run away—often. Even though I am quite like this little bunny, repeatedly turning my back on my loving Mother Bunny. (Or, is it my loving Shepherd?)

“Shucks,” said the little bunny, “I might just as well stay where I am and be your little bunny.”
And so he did.
“Have a carrot,” said the mother bunny.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious Shepherd, thank You for loving me. Thank you for pursuing me, even when I run away from You. Talk about secure parenting! You are indeed a loving Shepherd (or, is it a Mother Bunny?) to me. Thanks, Lord.

@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 #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .