Come and Pray was a day-long event at Exeter Cathedral, featuring opportunities to engage in different forms of prayer and worship. It was lovely to play a small part myself, leading a shared Lectio Divina session for anyone who wished to experience a new way of praying with the Bible.
Gratitude reminds us of abundance and leads to an attitude of contentment, interdependence, and respect for Creation and Creator.
An imaginative meditation on Julian of Norwich’s description of her thoughts being led down to the seabed; using the approach of Anthony de Mello in Sadhana; for use in groups.
A word from Luke 14.25-33. In which my understanding of Jesus’ teachings on building a tower and going to war are turned upside-down.
There are two basic blunders that we can make make in praying for ourselves: to be too demanding; and not to ask at all.
A meditation on Ephesians 4.11-15, on our common mind and growing up in every way into Christ; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
Three (very tentative) understandings of what I am doing in intercession as part of my contemplative practice
A meditation on an excerpt from Encountering the Depths on our co-operation with God in prayer; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
Refuge from the heat. Saturated with silence. Present to my presence.
The slow reading of a picture may be more helpful to those who find it easier to engage visually with the world rather than through words
Playful prayer – being light-hearted, spontaneous, simply enjoying God – helps us avoid ‘worthiness’ and ploddery.
A meditation flowing between listening to our breathing, to exterior and interior, and to God; for use in groups.
A word from Matthew 13.1-9. We need to a balance of modern efficiencies and traditional farming techniques to feed the world. I need a balance of modern and ancient practices to feed my mind, heart and soul.
A word from Matthew 11.25-27. Reciting ‘Your will be done’ often gives me a small knot of anxiety, but what a difference the adjective ‘gracious’ makes.
A word from Matthew 10.1-7. Names are important. How might I like my name to be written in lists?
A word from Matthew 8.28-end. We can but ask. Sometimes Jesus answers ‘yes’ and sometimes ‘no’. But there is always a reason.
“Pray as you can and do not try to pray as you can’t. Take yourself as you find yourself: start from that.”
A word from Matthew 7.15-20. Don’t be like a supermarket butternut squash!
A word from Matthew 6.1-6,16-18. God will always be there, ready to receive the alms, to hear and respond to the prayer, to honour the intention of the fast.
At Kirchentag I learnt a new word: ‘Impuls’… an idea, inspiration, stimulation, or prompt to conversation, action or prayer…
A word from Matthew 5.17-19. Faith can only be taught if it is a lived reality in the life of the teacher.
“Prayer is not a technique but a relationship. There is no unfitness, no obstacle, no problem… All anyone can do for us is to keep our eyes on Jesus…”
A meditation on an excerpt from Encountering the Depths on our relationship with God; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
A word from John 17.11-19. Joy and gladness are long, deep drinks of water that continue to refresh the soul.
A word from John 16.12-15. The true me belongs to Jesus, and the Spirit will declare me to myself.
A word from John 12.44-end. Jesus is beyond every light, beyond the iridescence of a kingfisher’s wing or an exploding supernova.
As you read scripture or spiritual writing, one saying or word might strike you. Stop and write it out long-hand. Then ask yourself three questions…
A word from John 6.35-40, Jesus’ teaching on the bread from heaven.
Gradually becoming aware that I was surrounded by birdsong, I began to muse and murmur…
As you read scripture or spiritual writing, one saying or word might strike you. Stop and write it out long-hand. Then ask yourself three questions…
A word from John 8.31-42, Jesus’ dialogue with ‘the Jews who had believed in him.’
“Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7.7-8; NRSV)
Praying a labyrinth is a journey to the centre. It is akin to walking a winding pilgrim path, taking time to reflect and ponder our interior landscape.
Some notes on running a one-off group reading Awareness by Anthony de Mello, including questions for prompting discussion and a guided meditation (or two).
A meditation using the list of contents in Awareness by Anthony De Mello; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
The Examen is a way of reflecting prayerfully on your day. It may be a very short prayer, or a period of longer reflection. It may prayed at any time, but is often prayed last thing at night.
The ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline, with plainchant and polyphony. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto). Featuring musicians Andrew Maries (Oboe), Sophie Brewer (Flute), Catherine Bradley (Cello), John Draisey (Keyboard) and the music of Andrew Wilson.
God wants you to be like God. Filled with life and goodness and laughter—and joy.
The apophatic, or negative, way of prayer starts with the teaching that God is no thing that we can grasp. God is utterly transcendent and beyond every thing that God has made.
