“What is the point of contemplative prayer?”
Or are we asking the wrong questions? For one of the points of contemplative prayer is that it has no point, and our goal-oriented and purpose-driven world finds this hard to grasp.
Guided Meditation: Jesus speaks to the weary
An imaginative meditation on Jesus as he is teaching ‘I will give you rest’.
“Prayer at/on the edge”
“Come to the edge. We might fall. Come to the edge. It’s too high! COME TO THE EDGE! And they came, And he pushed, And they flew.” – Christopher Logue
Guided Meditation: Centring Prayer
A guided meditation introducing Centring Prayer as taught by Fr Thomas Keating OCSO; for use in groups.
“Spiritual journalling”
In essence, a prayer journal is a written record of your relationship with God. Putting things down on paper accesses different parts of the brain, and in the hard times, it may remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Guided Meditation: Jesus visiting Zaccheus
A guided reflection on the story of Zaccheus meeting Jesus; in the style of Ignatian meditation.
“Finding God in all things”
Teach me, my God and King,
In all things Thee to see,
And what I do in anything
To do it as for Thee.
— from The Elixir by George Herbert
“Praying continuously”
In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul urged his readers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5.17). So what does this mean?
Guided Meditation: Shining like the sun
An imaginative meditation based on Thomas Merton’s realisation that all people are walking around shining like the sun; for use in groups.
“Praying with icons”
Many icons depict Jesus, or Mary presenting her son, as gazing directly at the pray-er, inviting eye contact as a way into encounter with the person of Jesus.
“Dramatised Mark” in Exeter Cathedral
A dramatised reading of of the Gospel according to St Mark created by Professor Chris Bryan and directed by David Gunn-Johnson.
“Compline: A celebration of Ascension” in St Olave’s Church
Performance of “On the Holy Mountain” by Andrew Wilson and other vocal and instrumental music, concluding with the service of Compline. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto). Featuring musicians Joshua Hamilton and Sarah Rimmington (Violin), Catherine Bradley (Cello), Andrew Maries (Oboe) and John Draisey (Piano).
“Friendship with God”
Consider your friendship with God. How do you relate to God as you would relate to a friend? What makes a good friendship?
“Accompaniment in prayer”
Spiritual Directors or Soul Friends will not finish the race for us. But they will share the journey and help us notice where God is active in our relationship of prayer and in our daily lives.
Lectio Divina: “dew…brook”
A word from Psalm 110. Something as tiny as a dew drop has the potential to grow into a brook, and further downstream to become the river of life.
“Always beginning in prayer”
We are all always beginning in prayer, and always will be. The true experts in prayer have a beginner’s mind, always open to new possibilities.
Come and Pray: Lectio Divina
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.
“Praying our Gratitude”
Gratitude reminds us of abundance and leads to an attitude of contentment, interdependence, and respect for Creation and Creator.
Guided meditation: Encountering the Depths
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.
Lectio Divina: “intending…estimate…foundation…began…not able to finish”
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.
“Petition through contemplation”
There are two basic blunders that we can make make in praying for ourselves: to be too demanding; and not to ask at all.
Guided meditation: The Common Mind
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.
“Contemplative intercession”
Three (very tentative) understandings of what I am doing in intercession as part of my contemplative practice
Guided meditation: The Apostolate of Prayer
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.
The Pilgrim Chapel at Malling Abbey: Drawing in light
Refuge from the heat. Saturated with silence. Present to my presence.
“Visio Divina, praying with the eyes of your heart”
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”
Playful prayer – being light-hearted, spontaneous, simply enjoying God – helps us avoid ‘worthiness’ and ploddery.
Guided meditation: Listening
A meditation flowing between listening to our breathing, to exterior and interior, and to God; for use in groups.
Lectio Divina: “birds”
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.
Lectio Divina: “gracious will”
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.
Lectio Divina: “These are the names”
A word from Matthew 10.1-7. Names are important. How might I like my name to be written in lists?
Lectio Divina: “begged”
A word from Matthew 8.28-end. We can but ask. Sometimes Jesus answers ‘yes’ and sometimes ‘no’. But there is always a reason.
“Discerning the path of prayer”
“Pray as you can and do not try to pray as you can’t. Take yourself as you find yourself: start from that.”
Lectio Divina: “sheep’s clothing”
A word from Matthew 7.15-20. Don’t be like a supermarket butternut squash!
Lectio Divina: “whenever”
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.
Jetzt ist die Zeit!
At Kirchentag I learnt a new word: ‘Impuls’… an idea, inspiration, stimulation, or prompt to conversation, action or prayer…
Lectio Divina: “teaches”
A word from Matthew 5.17-19. Faith can only be taught if it is a lived reality in the life of the teacher.
“The purpose of prayer techniques”
“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…”
Guided meditation: The Search for a Relationship
A meditation on an excerpt from Encountering the Depths on our relationship with God; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
Lectio Divina: “joy”
A word from John 17.11-19. Joy and gladness are long, deep drinks of water that continue to refresh the soul.
Lectio Divina: “what is mine”
A word from John 16.12-15. The true me belongs to Jesus, and the Spirit will declare me to myself.
Lectio Divina: “light”
A word from John 12.44-end. Jesus is beyond every light, beyond the iridescence of a kingfisher’s wing or an exploding supernova.
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer”
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…
Lectio Divina: “anyone who comes”
A word from John 6.35-40, Jesus’ teaching on the bread from heaven.
Preaching to the birds
Gradually becoming aware that I was surrounded by birdsong, I began to muse and murmur…
“Praying with three questions”
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…
Lectio Divina: “continue”
A word from John 8.31-42, Jesus’ dialogue with ‘the Jews who had believed in him.’
For as soon as…
“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)
“Walking and Praying the Labyrinth”
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.
Slow Book Group: Anthony de Mello, Awareness
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).
Guided meditation: Awareness
A meditation using the list of contents in Awareness by Anthony De Mello; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
“Praying the Examen”
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.
“Compline: A contemplative journey through Lent” in St Olave’s Church
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.
A blessing from Desmond Tutu
God wants you to be like God. Filled with life and goodness and laughter—and joy.
“The apophatic way: desiring God in the darkness”
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.
Slow Book Group: Paula Gooder, Everyday God
Some notes on running a group reading Paula Gooder’s book for Ordinary Time: “Everyday God” over six months, holding a space for the members to reflect on the text and how any insights might help them in their prayer life and spiritual journey.
The Great O Antiphons
The Great Os are the antiphons used with the Magnificat at vespers or evensong on the last seven days of Advent. They are the material for the Advent hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”.
“The kataphatic way: praying with metaphor”
The kataphatic, or affirmative, way of prayer seeks to describe God, and to express what or who God is in terms of what God is like, in order to understand and come closer to God.
Guided meditation: Glimpsing Glory
A meditation on the story of Moses coming down from Mount Sinai with the skin of his face shining after talking with God; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
“Pray the Collects and write your own”
Constraints can be a vital source of creativity. They force us to think and release our imaginations. The form of the Collect is a way to collect our intentions in prayer and arrange them.
A Booklet of Randomised Psalms
The psalms were the prayer book of Jesus; from the temptations to the cross, he often quoted from them. They express all human emotion, from praise and trust to fury …
Guided meditation: The Call to Extraordinariness
A guided reflection on the story of four friends lowering a paralysed man through the roof to Jesus; in the style of Ignatian meditation.
“Praying the Daily Office and the Psalms”
The Church’s pattern of prayer today is a simplification of the eight-fold monastic daily office associated with Psalm 119 v164 “Seven times a day I praise you” and v62 “At midnight I rise to give you thanks”.
Guided meditation: An Ordinary Kingdom
A guided reflection on the parable of the treasure hidden in the field, in different tellings.
Greenbelt ponderings
I got Greenbelt wrong this year. Not totally – in many ways it was wonderful – but enough to make me wonder: What might I do differently?
“Praying with the Bible – Ignatian meditation”
Praying with the imagination can be helpful if you have spent time in study and want to deepen your encounter with scripture, or if you struggle with the Bible’s content and want a different way in.
On writing guided meditations: open questions
“How does God invite you?” could be construed as a leading question, presupposing that God is a God who invites and would invite the likes of me. Yet it is an important part of the meditation, is open and invites all sorts of responses.
Guided meditation: An Everyday God
An imaginative meditation on God as potter; using the approach of Anthony de Mello in Sadhana; for use in groups.
Intercessions, The Eighth Sunday after Trinity 2022
Written for the 10am Eucharist at Exeter Cathedral
“Praying with the Bible – Lectio Divina”
Regular Bible reading and study gives us breadth of knowledge. Lectio Divina helps us also absorb Scripture at depth.
Guided meditation: Unsung heroes
A meditation on the story of the feeding of the five thousand in John’s Gospel; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
Providing hospitality, receiving hospitality, sharing space
The story of Mary and Martha is a well-worn sermon topic. What might I have said if I had been on preaching duty last Sunday evening?
“If only”, an imaginative meditation
An invitation into encounter, through a guided meditation on the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5.
“If only”, a creative reflection
Everything is started by a simple “if only” by a young girl. The girl is not named. But she does still have a story – everyone has a story.
“Embodied prayer”
Engaging our body in prayer – praying with the whole person – deepens our attentiveness and enables different intentions in prayer.
Guided meditation: On turning aside
A meditation on turning aside to the miracle of the burning bush; in the style of Ignatian meditation; for use in groups.
“To what purpose is this waste?” by Christina Rossetti
With reference to Matthew 26:8 (AV), it is as though God has anointed our heads with the precious ointment.
“Prayer which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes”
Can we come close to seeing and scenting a spray of the lily of the valley as God might see it? Hearing the chatter of a treeful of sparrows as God might hear them?
Guided meditation: SMILE
Saturday’s Prayerdle was SMILE, which brought a smile to a friend’s face. So I thought I would write and offer this short meditation.
“Pilgrimage: Prayer on the Way”
“Pilgrimage is an opportunity to reflect on the journey of our lives, and on our journey homewards to God.” – Devon Pilgrim guidance on the St Boniface Way
Slow Book Group: Maggie Ross, Writing the Icon of the Heart
Some notes on running a group reading Maggie Ross, Writing the Icon of the Heart together. Through slow reading, pondering, and sharing our responses and insights, we sought to discern how the Spirit is calling us to deepen our faith and prayer.
“Praying with a prayer-phrase: Maranatha and the Psalms”
Repeating a short phrase over and over can be a helpful way of holding the surface mind’s attention while the soul encounters God in the depths.
A Month of Psalms
A booklet of psalms that can be recited day by day each month, set to simple psalm chants.
A prayer of St Brendan the Navigator
Help me to journey beyond the familiar
and into the unknown.
Give me the faith to leave old ways
and break fresh ground with You.
“Distractions in Prayer”
When we enter our prayer time, it is probably not long before we get distracted. But there are preparations we can make and tactics we can employ.
Lunar reflections
During February, while the Cathedral is hosting the Museum of the Moon, what might I have preached in the face of this reminder of my finitude?
“Centring Prayer and the Sacred Word”
We often find our attention wandering in prayer, but over the centuries, people well-versed in the practice have developed techniques that can help us.
He sat down
How sitting down among the people was a symbolic or sacramental action that made the Incarnation real.
“Compline: A contemplative journey through Lent” in St Olave’s Church
The ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline, with plainchant and polyphony. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto). Featuring the music of Barber, Bach and Pergolesi, and musicians Ruth Molins (Flute), Emma Welton (Violin), John Draisey (organ).
Praying with Prayerdle
Prayerdle, an off-shoot of Wordle that can help you pray as you go through your day.
Lectio Divina: “before”
A word from John 1.43-end, the story of Jesus’ calling of Philip and Nathanael.
“Forming habits of prayer”
How can we make sure we make time for God? Form a habit and find a bridge.
Awareness walks
Set off alone and start walking. Find your own space and breathe deeply. Be aware of your own body. Feel your limbs and the ground under your feet.
Lectio Divina: “What then will this child become?”
A word from Luke 1.57-66, the story of the birth of John the Baptist.
Lectio Divina: “two of his disciples”
A word from Luke 7.18b-23, a conversation between Jesus and disciples of John the Baptist.
“Waiting on God”
It is hard going against the flow of today’s culture, and waiting for anything. So it might be helpful to think in terms of waiting on God.
Shared Lectio Divina, November 2021
My reflections during shared Lectio on the Gospel reading: November 2021.
Considering the body
I don’t necessarily articulate in my mind my understanding of an action as my body performs it during the liturgy. Most of the time, I let that physical action be my expression of intention and my offering.
“Explore Prayer” for Exeter Cathedral news
You are infinitely loved by God, and God is waiting and longing to be with you. Prayer is simply the expression of our relationship with God.
Shared Lectio Divina, October 2021
My reflections during shared Lectio on the Gospel reading: October 2021.
Shared Lectio Divina, September 2021
My reflections during shared Lectio on the Gospel reading: September 2021.
The gift of the blue bottle
It is prayer hour in the convent chapel on a sunny summer morning. Dust motes swirl idly in the sun’s rays streaming through the high windows. The chapel is still, apart from a solitary blue bottle.
Shared Lectio Divina, July 2021
My reflections during shared Lectio on the Gospel reading: July 2021.
“Someone”, an imaginative meditation
An invitation into encounter, through a guided meditation on the vignette in Matthew 12.46-50.
“Someone”, a creative reflection
Anyone is invited to share in Jesus’ most intimate relationship: his relationship with his “Father in heaven”. Everyone may be a Someone.
New blog, old posts
I was increasingly feeling that I wanted to write more about my prayer and spirituality. I therefore started this new blog…
Shared Lectio Divina, June 2021
My reflections during shared Lectio on the Gospel reading: June 2021.
Shared Lectio Divina, April 2021
My reflections during shared Lectio on the Gospel reading: April 2021.
Slow Book Group: The Cloud of Unknowing
Some notes on running a group reading The Cloud together. Through it, we hoped to gain a deeper understanding of prayer and through that to deepen our own prayer lives and relationships with God.
Seeing and believing and living
Another in my very irregular series of ‘were I to have preached’… What happens when we look at the two stories of Mary Magdalene at the tomb and Doubting Thomas together?
#DIYLent #poetry #light #prayer
In this year of quarantine, I have been observing a DIY Lent. I thought it would be wonderful to get together (via Zoom of course) with one or two different friends each week. Both of us bring a poem, or piece of poetic prose, or art, or music to share and reflect on.
Shared Lectio Divina, March 2021
My reflections during shared Lectio on the Gospel reading: March 2021.
Shared Lectio Divina, February 2021
My reflections during shared Lectio on the Gospel reading: February 2021.
Life is like a box of tesserae
There is a bi-i-ig difference between jigsaws and mosaics. Jigsaws have only one correct solution. Mosaic tiles can be pieced together in many different ways to create many different images.
Lectio Divina: “without having done him any harm”
A word from Luke 4.31-37, Jesus’ healing of the man with an unclean spirit.
Lectio Divina “without neglecting”
A word from Matthew 19.23-end, Jesus’ address to the scribes and Pharisees.
Lectio Divina: “shine like the sun”
A word from Matthew 13.36-43, Jesus explanation of the parable of the weeds of the field.
Intercessions, The Seventh Sunday after Trinity
Written for the 12.15pm Eucharist at Exeter Cathedral
Psalmathon
This St Peter’s day on 29 June, Exeter Cathedral held a Psalmathon – reading all 150 Psalms in about 8 hours.
Lectio Divina: “Lord save us!”
A word from Matthew 8:18,23-27, the story of Jesus stilling the storm.
Lectio Divina on Zoom
Initially a step into the unknown, group Lectio Divina over Zoom has proved to work extremely well; its very structured format holds open a space for deep encounters with both God and each other.
Lectio Divina “utterly”
A word from Mark 12.13-17, the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees and Herodians.
Where prayer is valid
During the days between Ascension and Pentecost, I found myself ruminating about Exeter Cathedral as building and people, prompted by the lack of access of most people during the Coronavirus lockdown to the church buildings we know and love.
Shared Lectio Divina, Thy Kingdom Come, May 2020
My reflections during shared Lectio on three Bible readings during the period of Thy Kingdom Come.
Lectio Divina: “How can these things be?”
A word from John 3.7-15, the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus.
Lectio Divina: “outside”
A word from John 20.11-18, the Easter narrative of Mary Magdalene outside the tomb.
Explore Prayer
You are infinitely loved by God, and God is waiting and longing to be with you. Prayer is simply the expression of our relationship with God. But it is often mystified or diminished.
I wrote some material about prayer for the Cathedral website, with hope that it will help visitors deepen their relationship with God and draw them closer to the community of praying people in the Cathedral.
Thy Kingdom Come 2019
Thy Kingdom Come is a global wave of prayer uniting Christians around the world during the days from Ascension Day to Pentecost. From 30 May to 9 June 2019, Exeter Cathedral is hosting a special prayer room in the Grandisson Chapel tucked into the West Front. Based on the parable of the hidden treasure, I’ve set up a small installation with a small action to help people pray.
“Springs in the Desert” for ViaMedia.News
O wilderness God, I do not ask to avoid the journey and the struggle. Only help me to trust that you are always beside me holding my hand fast in yours, even when all seems dark and dry, and that you will lead me to a place of refreshment, and blessing at the end. Amen.
“Compline: A contemplative journey through Lent” in St Martin’s Church
The ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline, with plainchant and polyphony. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto). Featuring the music of Bach, Barber and Saint-Saëns, and musicians Ruth Molins, Sophie Brewer (Flute), Emma Welton (Violin), Catherine Bradley (Cello).
Workshop on “Slow Bible Reading”
I led this workshop on the ancient monastic practice of Lectio Divina, as part of a Prayer & Spirituality Day at Exeter Cathedral.
Unnamed and unnoticed
This morning in the Cathedral, I got out the mental glasses or hearing aids that I often use while following the readings: I looked and listened for the unnamed and unnoticed characters. My reflections here could be the second in what might turn into a series on ‘were I to have preached’.
Who said it first?
Sometimes during the sermon slot, I catch myself thinking about what I might have said if I were up there in that pulpit. This time it would have been about women raising their voices.
A prayer story
This is a slightly longer version of an article I wrote for Exeter Cathedral’s monthly magazine, the first in what is hoped to be a regular feature focusing on the prayer lives of members of the Cathedral community. There are as many different understandings and types of prayer as there are different people.
Action in a World of Contemplation *
Greenbelt is a festival of arts, faith and justice, held over the August Bank Holiday. The programme is huge, so to help me manage it I often choose a theme. This year I didn’t, consciously at any rate, but it became apparent as the weekend unfolded that I’d ringed quite a lot of talks relating to contemplation and action.
Sign of the Nazarene
Many of my Facebook friends have changed their profile picture to the Arabic letter N. It stands for ‘Nazarene’, or Christian. ISIS is drawing it on the houses of Christians in Iraq, to indicate who to target.
Hoping against hope
Today is the feast day of St John of the Cross, Spanish mystic and poet. Here’s an English version of his poem “Tras de un amoroso lance”, which beautifully captures a number of types of hope.
Watching for the Kingfisher
The Parkology group is posting (mostly) daily during Advent, focusing on ‘What gives you hope?’ Here is what I posted for #Advent 3.
Great expectations
Expectation can be good; having high expectations of students can lead them to do better. People in general tend to live up to or down to expectations. The problem is when the expectations are unrealistic.
Inside and outside the Cathedral
What it means to be the people of God, and the Occupy camp on Exeter Cathedral Green.
Talking about “Prayer”
This evening, I’ve been asked to talk about Prayer, I suppose because I have a practice of contemplative prayer and am about to go and live alongside a monastic community. Trouble is, how do I express the inexpressible? Here is roughly what I want to say.
