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Beloved Friends,
Today we gently lengthen our silence to 20 minutes.
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 20 minutes of silence...
"God is the friend of silence… The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in active life. We need silence to be able to touch souls. The essential thing is not what we say, but what God says to us and through us. Jesus is always waiting for us in silence. In this silence he listens to us and speaks to our souls. And there, we will hear his voice…In this silence we find a new energy and a real unity. God’s energy becomes ours, allowing us to perform things well. There is unity of our thoughts with Jesus' thoughts, of our prayers with his prayers, of our actions with his actions, of our life with his life.” - St. Teresa of Calcutta
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
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