|
Beloved Friends,
Today we gently lengthen our silence to 26 minutes. As we move into these longer periods of silence I want to remind you to gift yourself with abundant grace!
If you are able to enjoy the full 26 minutes of sacred silence, rejoice! If you are able to enjoy 30 seconds of sacred silence, rejoice! God is delighted with any amount of time that you are able to turn your attention toward God's presence in the midst of all that is swirling around you.
You are beloved. Period... no matter how many minutes of silence you are able to embrace on any given day. Let the extraordinary gift of unearned grace wash over you amidst it all...
I invite you to explore the practice of Lectio Divina (sacred reading) as the focus for your silent prayer.
Lectio Divina is an invitation to read slowly, savor the writing and listen with your heart for a particular word (or short phrase) that shimmers for you when you read it. Allow these words to be your companion as you pray. Read them aloud. Hold them on your heart. Chat with God about what they might mean for you today. Journal briefly about your reflections if you feel so moved. But, most importantly, keep it simple. Don't overthink - this is a spiritual practice of the heart, not the head. Simply be still and know that God is with you. Understanding comes slowly (if at all!). Be patient and trust in the slow work of God.
Here is today's Lectio Divina suggestion for your 26 minutes of silence...
"In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
The Word was with God in the beginning.
Everything came into being through the Word,
and without the Word
nothing came into being.
What came into being
through the Word was life,
and the life was the light for all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light."
John 1:1-5 (Common English Bible)
Be encouraged in your gently growing practice of silent prayer as you tune out the noise around you and tune in to God's Presence. Remember that you are part of a broad and beloved community of faithful folks who are also nurturing the gifts of simplicity and stillness this Lenten season.
Let us lift one another in prayer as we journey together into the sacred silence...
Your Companion in Silence,
Sharon
Sharon Seyfarth Garner
Director, Belly of the Whale Ministries
216-224-7452
sharon@bellyofthewhaleministries.net
www.bellyofthewhaleministries.net
| 
