Centering Prayer? Head of the Body

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, September 13, 2015

Centering Prayer? Head of the Body

I love the letter to the Colossians. It has been a few years since I’ve studied it in depth, but I love the out-and-out theological expressions it uses. Some other parts of the New Testament are more action-oriented, and I love that, too. But sometimes, I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some deep theological statement. Like in the middle of Colossians, chapter 1.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m choosing a Name of God found in the Bible, my word of the day. My Name of God for today is Head of the Body. So, I centered today on this Name.

Instead of just choosing a Name and getting right down to prayer, I took a look at the first chapter of Colossians. I even checked out some notes on verse 18, where “Head of the Body, the Church” appears. I discovered “Head of the Body” appears several additional times in the New Testament, including Ephesians 1, where Paul fleshes out the “Head of the Body” a bit more.

I remember briefly thinking of the description in 1 Corinthians of the Church being the Body of Christ, and each member having different gifts, different ways to be useful. And—just think. Christ is Head of that whole multi-gifted, multi-talented, multi-ethnic, multi-colored Body. What a marvelous Body to be considered part of!

Then, I tried my best to focus on the Colossians verse—specifically, on the Name of God I chose for today. I had limited success. Sure, I’d focus on “Head of the Body” for several moments, but then I would get distracted.

The best thing (or perhaps, best thought) that came to me involved the Head. The Head is connected to the Body. The Head (and the brain inside it) controls the whole Body, and tells the Body what to do and which way to go. The Head is very much an organic part of the Body, and unless part of the Body is malfunctioning, it responds to the direction of the Head. Considers the Head to be in charge of the Body.

Wow. That means I am in direct communication with the Head of the Body/the Church. I don’t need to find some special way to communicate, since I am organically part of the Head. That means you are, too, if you are a part of the Body.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for this fruitful time of prayer today. Thank You for this excellent Name of God I found today. Help me to keep in touch with You, stay connected, and know that I am part of this amazing Body of Christ. Thanks, Lord!

@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

God Our Bridegroom. Centering, Day Three.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, September 1, 2015

God Our Bridegroom. Centering, Day Three.

For each day in the month of September, I will choose a name of God found in the Bible. I’m using that for my word of the day. My word—Name of God for today is Bridegroom.

This Name of God gave me pause. I almost did not use it for my centering word today. However, I ended up doing so. Interesting experience, to be sure.

I had little difficulty quieting my body, and only a bit of difficulty quieting my mind for Centering Prayer. I found myself somewhat receptive, to begin with.

However—the first of the mental pictures that came to my mind was that of a huge Jesus. Sort of like a gigantic Lord and Savior. I saw Him dressed in the typical manner in which Jesuses are almost always dressed (in Sunday school pictures, at least). The location in my mind seemed to be a generic city center. A large square, or park area, filled with people; hundreds of thousands, at least. And, the huge Jesus, right smack in the middle of everything. (That made me hesitate.)

I felt at a distance. Particularly distant from Jesus. And, I did not like that.

Returning to thinking about Bridegroom, what came into my mind next was a wedding ceremony uncannily like a photo I had seen years ago of Sun Myung Moon, blessing thousands of couples in Madison Square Garden. This thought was extremely distasteful! I remember actually shaking my head to get the thought out of it.

Then, I specifically oriented my mind toward Middle Eastern marriage customs. From what I understand, the marriage between bride and bridegroom is not only a joining of two people. It’s more than that. It’s a joining together of two families. An alliance. My mind went one step further. I thought of the family of Jesus (or, God) joined with the family of humans. That idea drew me in, and I thought about the loving alliance all of us, as the Church, have with Jesus. Our Bridegroom. As I said, interesting experience.

I noted at the beginning of this post that I was hesitant to meditate and pray with this Name of God. I have never felt particularly close to this image. However, I knew immediately that I ought to try. Try to pray, and see what happens.

Lord Jesus, it was an interesting experience, and one part more than a little disturbing. (I mean, the part about Moon and the blessing ceremony, and comparing You to that.) I thank You for aiding me in this effort today, and helping to give me a positive experience and impression. Thanks, Lord.

@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

Praying Into Celestial Brightness

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Messier 92, located in the constellation of Hercules –
photo credit Hubble Space Telescope – NASA – ESA

Praying Into Celestial Brightness

Evening Prayer on the www.dailyoffice.org website can be similar. Each night’s prayers are much the same. But, a bit different, too. Tonight, for example.

Just before I was to pray for my personal intercessions, I got pulled up short by the prayer immediately before. It ran as follows: “Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, and illumine this night with your celestial brightness; that by night as by day your people may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

As I read this, I was reminded so strongly of the Apostle John’s depiction in Revelation 21:23— ^“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”

I am not certain whether the authors of the Book of Common Prayer had this section of the book of Revelation in mind when they wrote this particular prayer, but I sure was thinking of it.

On top of that verse from Revelation 21, I also noticed a link to Isaiah 60, verses 19b and 20. Both verses mentioned that “I, the Lord, will be your eternal light; the light of my glory will shine on you. ²⁰ Your days of grief will come to an end. I, the Lord, will be your eternal light, More lasting than the sun and moon.”

Yes, I did pray to the end of Evening Prayer, but I had a new and enlarged appreciation for this particular collect. Celestial brightness. Eternal light. More lasting than the sun and the moon.

Thanks, Lord, for leading me towards Your brightness. Thanks, Lord, for shedding additional light on my understanding. Thank You for Your light put within me. You are a Lamp to my feet, a Light to my path, and You illumine my way for my whole life long. Thanks, Lord!

@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

Praying, Giving My Cares to God

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, August 15, 2015

Praying, Giving My Cares to God

from http://www.dailyoffice.org

As I finish praying the Evening Prayers tonight, I come to this antiphon (or, conclusion for this part of the service). “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.” This antiphon is repeated twice, near the end of the Evening Prayers.

One thing I’ve noticed over the past couple of decades of bible reading and study: if any word, phrase or sentence is repeated, it’s usually important to someone, for something in particular.

Okay. I went to what is quickly becoming my go-to source for finding out more about Evening Prayer (or, Compline): the website for the Church of England (see below, in the footnote). Behold!

“The service concludes with
¶ a calling on God for protection through the coming night
¶ a simple blessing “ [1]

So, my part in this antiphon is as follows. First, I pray that, when awake, I may watch with Christ. I wouldn’t want to get caught sleeping, like the three disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then, I need to watch with Christ. Watch like a watchman on the city walls or at the gates.

Second, when I sleep (NOT if, but WHEN), I am to rest peacefully. That’s quietly. “Rest in peace.” That is what is commonly said about people, after they die. In all truthfulness, people are often tied in knots of worry, anxiety and despair. But, Jesus says this is not the way to deal with life. Or, rather, to hide from life. Instead, we are to trust God to take away our worry, anxiety and despair. Jesus can handle it

Thanks, Lord, for this deep, heartfelt reminder. Help me to follow You, on a regular basis. And, not just when my tendency is to ignore You. Alleluia, 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

A Larger Community of Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, August 11, 2015

my heart saying a prayer

A Larger Community of Prayer

Sometimes, I feel disconnected. Not “friends with” anyone. All alone.

I know I’m not actually alone. (Don’t get worried.) I did think of Robin Williams today, on the first anniversary of his death. I feel so badly about him dying by suicide. I have only a partial idea of the thoughts that can go through a person’s mind in the depths of depression. I have no clue how difficult things were for Mr. Williams, but I feel for his family: left behind.

Mr. Williams’ life was special, just like each person’s life in the whole wide world. Each individual is someone special, one of a kind. Each life is infinitely valuable. I have that blessed fact confirmed to me from external witness and observation as well as from the writings of Scripture and holy books from around the world.

I realize many people suffer from depression, anxiety, low self esteem, and other mental, emotional and psychological afflictions. I’ve suffered, myself.

I know the Christian community is not a cure-all, but it can offer some assistance. I’ve heard a number of people swear their church or bible study group or other religious group was what made the difference in their lives. And, I realize prayer can also be a great help. Assistance. Answer in their lives.

That’s one reason why I am devoted to prayer. Each night this month, as I read through the Evening Prayer from the dailyoffice.org website, I strive to pray these prayers in the company of countless others. I know many, many individuals use the website each day. Some twice a day.

But, don’t these rote prayers get boring? Or long? Or tiresome?

I went to the Church of England website again, since I wanted to get more information about the Prayers. I found this wonderful commentary concerning prayer in the Book of Common Prayer:

“. . . they will also, through common structures, texts and patterns of Scripture reading, unite those using them into one larger community of prayer. This community extends to all of those who, through the ages and across the nations, have sought to do as Jesus taught us and pray together for the hallowing of God’s name and the coming of God’s kingdom.” [1]

So, Lord. It’s not just _me_ praying. I’m not all isolated and alone. Even when I feel alone, and get afraid (or depressed, or anxious), I know You are right by my side. I know—in both my head and my heart—that I am also a part of a community. Yes, a community of prayer. Each of us joins into this same prayer, as each of us gathers around a computer or tablet or smart phone. Or, the old-fashioned way, through picking up a book.

And, thank You for the opportunity to join together with sisters and brothers in a local assembly. I appreciate You. And Your church. And, joining together with others in prayer. Thanks so much, Lord!

[1] https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/generalintro.aspx

Note: in case anyone needs this toll-free number, here is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. 1-800-273-8255

@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 .

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 .