beWARM

Through contemplative prayer we can keep ourselves from being pulled from one urgent issue to another and from becoming strangers to our own heart and God’s heart. ~Henri  Nouwen from In the Name of Jesus 

In preparation for an upcoming couple’s day of reflection, we were asked to be ready to discuss a Scripture passage that has been particularly meaningful.

Psalm 46:10 immediately flashed into my mind:  Be still and know that I am God.

As I reflected on these words, I heard faint echoes of my Mother’s voice saying, “Sit Still!” Can you remember when, as a child, you were so excited about something that you could barely contain yourself?

Unbridled silliness often accompanied such anticipation; Mom had to reign that in also.  (but what fun my sisters and I had in the meantime!)

Here I am a half century later…now giving myself the same advice, with the quieting of the  the mind just as important as the absence of movement.

I began the practice of centering  prayer many years ago as an attempt to have a deeper communion with God. For me, spending this time with the Lord has brought an oasis of serenity into days filled with a myriad of activities and to-do lists.

I have come to treasure these moments where silence envelopes me like a cocoon…and I can hear myself think.

And feel  so very close to God…

However, the challenge of making this a regular practice still remains; how can I permit the minutiae of life to preempt time with the Lord?

And  to boot, when I do settle into God’s company,  the invasion of  every imaginable distraction prompts me to drag out my mental suit of armor in defense.

I do get a bit discouraged at such interference – but I won’t quit seeking His presence. The results are so worth it.

Over time,  I have come to know Him better – and to implicitly trust that

…He has specific plans for each of our lives

…He knows the desires of our hearts and wants to fulfill them

…He will show us what is needed to align our hearts with His

…He welcomes our prayers – and answers them in His time

…He will continue to reach out to those who do not know Him

…His love is unconditional and everlasting

So, dear friends, I encourage you to carve out some time to be with God. Turn off the electronics, tune out the world.

And let your heart come to life.

For you O Lord, my soul in stillness waits; surely my hope is in You.     ~lyrics from a hymn by Marty Haugen