Tag Archives: prayer
Creation-Centered Prayer
Contemplating Creation Creation-Centered Prayer Thursday, October 14, 2021 In a conference on Franciscan mysticism, Fr. Richard reminded the audience that the presence of God is available in all things and at all times: The spiritual nature of reality, and the material, the physical, have been one ever since the Big Bang. The incarnation did not just… Continue Reading Creation-Centered Prayer
Finding God in the Arts: Weekly Summary
Finding God in the Arts Saturday, August 21, 2021 Week Thirty-Three Summary and Practice Sunday, August 15—Friday, August 20, 2021 Sunday Until we can experience each thing in its specific “thisness,” as artists so often do, we will not easily experience the joy and freedom of Divine Presence. Monday Beholding happens when we stop trying… Continue Reading Finding God in the Arts: Weekly Summary
Doorways to Christian Contemplation: Weekly Summary
Doorways to Christian Contemplation Saturday, July 17, 2021 Week Twenty-Eight Summary and Practice Sunday, July 11—Friday, July 16, 2021 Sunday The diverse methods of contemplation are the many varied, fruitful, and life-giving practices and ways of praying that are nourished from the same root—the Sacred Presence. Monday Jesus said, “Judge not and you shall not… Continue Reading Doorways to Christian Contemplation: Weekly Summary
A Superior Lens
Doorways to Christian Contemplation A Superior Lens Friday, July 16, 2021 Today the unnecessary suffering on this earth is great for people who could have “known better” and should have been taught better by their religions. In the West, religion became preoccupied with telling people what to know more than how to know, telling people… Continue Reading A Superior Lens
Practicing the Presence of God
Doorways to Christian Contemplation Practicing the Presence of God Thursday, July 15, 2021 Prayer is the orientation of all the attention of which the soul is capable toward God. —Simone Weil, Waiting for God One of the simplest methods of contemplation is “to practice the presence of God” as described by Brother Lawrence (1614–1691), a… Continue Reading Practicing the Presence of God
Finding Presence
Doorways to Christian Contemplation Finding Presence Tuesday, July 13, 2021 Chanting is one of the most traditional methods of contemplation. While some traditions repeat a single word or sound, Benedictine and Gregorian chant within the Christian tradition draw their inspiration from the Psalms. Cynthia Bourgeault describes how chant works as a contemplative method. She is… Continue Reading Finding Presence
Present, Open, Awake
Doorways to Christian Contemplation Present, Open, Awake Monday, July 12, 2021 My friend and CAC teacher James Finley is a true contemplative! I watch the crowds—from conferences to Living School students—settle in his presence almost immediately. He is so centered in himself and in God that he is at peace and “transmits” the message with… Continue Reading Present, Open, Awake