OUTDOOR EXERCISE FOR THE SOUL
In the hope that the weather is now milder, perhaps brighter, and paths and walkways are dry, here are some ideas for a personal prayer walk borrowed from Keri Wehlander's Circles of Grace. I suppose it could be done indoors too if you create the space.
Create 4 separate stations for prayer: Discernment, Healing, Thanksgiving, and Resting in God. Have the selected texts in place at each station. Use chairs or stools and an iconic object at each station: a ceramic angel, a shell, a small cross, a smooth stone, a battery-powered candle, etc.
Take time out. Breathe. Be still. Set aside the bustle of the day. Free your spirit to seek quiet, reassurance, a time of transcendence. Be open to listening, listening for the mystery. Move thoughtfully from station to station pausing at each one at least five minutes or ten. Let the words of scripture prompt prayer within you. When you are ready pause and offer that prayer.
Discernment: "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Healing: "How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people take shelter in the shadow of your wings." (Psalm 36:7)
Thanksgiving: "Make a joyful noise all the earth; for God has done marvellous things." (Ps. 66:1)
Resting in God: "O God you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path ... and are acquainted with all my ways." (Psalm 139: 1-3)
When you have finished praying at all four stations, you may use this closing prayer:
"Holy One, with gentle hands receive my prayers. With patient eyes search out my spirit. With quiet words offer peace to my soul. With your infinite heart, receive my life. Amen
Trust in the God of steadfast love.