Down". It invites you to daily meditation by use of centering prayer.
All that means is that you choose an image or phrase to concentrate on.
You can have your eyes closed and your hands open while you think and pray
or you can be doing something repetitive like knitting or riding a
stationary bicycle. Some people like to picture a serene lake or
waterfall, something restful, or an animal they love.
I chose the phrase "Be Still and Know that I am God" from Psalm 46. Then
I remembered we have some anthems on that text – I wondered if I could
find one of them on the web. Before I knew it, Ron was helping me figure
out how to download music to my IPhone – something new for me. He
reminded me the phone had come with pretty sophisticated ear phones too.
So in my online search I ran across a lovely CD recorded by the Notre Dame
Folk Choir that has a beautiful tune to that text as well as many others,
including The Lord's Prayer. All of a sudden I was in the 21st century,
feeling like a young thing as I drank in the gorgeous stereo sound while
these pegs stuck out of my ears like the character Shrek!
While the music plays, scenes flash before my closed eyes. I think of
things that are stressing me, people I feel out-of-sorts with, situations
beyond my control, and every time the chorus comes I picture myself giving
them over to God, trusting the Lord's deep wisdom, power, and love to work
in me and in these situations, claiming "Be still and know that I am God".
Then I move the phone to a song called "Blessings" recorded by Laura
Story that I purchased for the choir recently in memory of my mother who
suffered so terribly for 20 years with rheumatoid arthritis. Every time I
hear this song's lyrics I cry. And I am finding these daily tears to be
healing and cleansing for my soul too. The song claims God's healing
through the terrible losses and trials of this life, and I know my
mother's soul grew beautifully through her pain and struggle though it was
so very hard. I end my time of meditation with the Notre Dame Folk
Choir's version of the Lord's Prayer. Again the music and so familiar
text helps me turn things over to the Lord.
I am finding this morning routine very restful and a way to center my day;
giving over my fears and worries right from the start, going forward
reminded of who is in control and whose I am, and humbled by such great
love and grace.
I encourage you to try centering prayer/meditation. Choose an image or
phrase and try it for a few minutes. The video promoting this practice
had a male pastor talk about his image of a fish. The fish both lives in
water and breathes it in and out of its body…water is constantly flowing
in and out of the gills. He compared that to the Holy Spirit's presence
in our lives – in, out, around, buoying us up.
And you know what? The next time I see a teen or young adult walking
around or curled up on a sofa with those Shrek-like earphones, I might not
be so quick to condemn….for God's gift of music piped directly into your
ears in stereo glory can be mighty moving indeed.
Blessed Lent as we grow in God's loving embrace on the cross,
Carla Vanatta,
Associate in Ministry,
Salem Lutheran Church
Salem Reminders:
Midweek Lenten Worship and Soup Suppers Wednesdays: 5:30-6:30 Soup
served; bring breads or desserts to share; 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
Weekend Lenten worship includes Communion at the Rail by Intinction, a
more penitential posture during this season of reflection. Dip your
fingers in the baptismal font and remember your baptism.
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