Oh! I’m so looking forward to this! Exercising my ability to live in the tension of opposites, and trust their balance, is a lifelong journey. I will happily join you in this exploration. Help, thanks, wow… and I think I’ll add, stillness.
Before I read your footnote, I thought that this definition of prayer sounded a lot like poetry, and therefore felt more accessible to my mind than the Christian idea of talking to God: “Prayer is a way of paying attention, of summoning the humility to be amazed by this world…” This series is a marvelous idea!
Julie, this is wonderful, and so heartening. It had me reflect on my own journey and relationship with prayer, and it was so good to look back and see that arc.
I loved hearing you read St Francis’ prayer, too, it’s a favourite. It also makes me smile because it was used as lyrics in a hymn we had to sing as young kids in school. We all thought we knew the words by heart, but it wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I realised we’d all been singing “Oh master grant that I may never seek so much to be controlled as to control” - which definitely veered away from the intended sentiment!
Thanks for being here, Chloe. I got a laugh from your kid version! Seems like every kid’s prayer - haha. 😆 We had similar with our Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. I never knew who Richard Stanz was, as in: “and for the republic for Richard Stanz.” 🤯
Beautiful. The idea of prayer as an expression of reciprocity resonates with me. Beyond religion, I do see it as a conversation and connection with self and the larger, deeper world (including that which can not be seen). I wrote a poem of reflection on vulnerability and strength, after hearing the election results. It seems to be resonating with people, perhaps you'd like to have a read: https://lindsayhartley.substack.com/p/into-the-heart-of-things
These prayers are so empowering, Julie. We need writing like this now. Strange how sadness conjures the traumas of the past, like you open with. Hope you are feeling a little better this week 💙
A lovely post. So many of us hurting, grieving, not understanding how this happened, and acceptance seems so far away. You have mentioned some of my favorite writers, mystics, poets. I carry them with me. And I am diving back into an all familiar place, grief. Revisiting Francis Weller, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and David Kessler. I look forward to following you here.
Thank you! I’ve been working on finding at least one beautiful and inspiring thing each day. I’m not really reading the news and I’ve retreated a bit for the moment. It’s helped. I’ve never understood the “Santa Claus” prayers or even that God will somehow deliver from suffering if I only pray hard enough. But wonder and awe at creation. Even just quiet contemplation. That’s how I experience God. And I love Thomas Merton.
That's a lovely practice, Sally -- to find one beautiful, inspiring thing. To court wonder and awe at creation. That beauty is always right there for us to notice.
Beautiful idea. I too look forward to joining you in this practice. It is so enlightening to look at familiar words and lines and ponder them anew with prayer and companionship. Thank you.
Oh! I’m so looking forward to this! Exercising my ability to live in the tension of opposites, and trust their balance, is a lifelong journey. I will happily join you in this exploration. Help, thanks, wow… and I think I’ll add, stillness.
Beautiful, Kimberly. Thanks for being here with your kind and wise energy. 🕊️🤍
Thank you for sharing the prayer by Thomas Merton. It really spoke to me this morning.
Thanks for being here. 🕊️🤍
Before I read your footnote, I thought that this definition of prayer sounded a lot like poetry, and therefore felt more accessible to my mind than the Christian idea of talking to God: “Prayer is a way of paying attention, of summoning the humility to be amazed by this world…” This series is a marvelous idea!
Thanks for reading, Tara. I appreciate your adding your voice. 🕊️🤍
I think we like the same kinds of poems. 🥰
I suspect you're right.
Julie, this is wonderful, and so heartening. It had me reflect on my own journey and relationship with prayer, and it was so good to look back and see that arc.
I loved hearing you read St Francis’ prayer, too, it’s a favourite. It also makes me smile because it was used as lyrics in a hymn we had to sing as young kids in school. We all thought we knew the words by heart, but it wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I realised we’d all been singing “Oh master grant that I may never seek so much to be controlled as to control” - which definitely veered away from the intended sentiment!
Thanks for being here, Chloe. I got a laugh from your kid version! Seems like every kid’s prayer - haha. 😆 We had similar with our Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. I never knew who Richard Stanz was, as in: “and for the republic for Richard Stanz.” 🤯
😂 fantastic. Amazing that ol’ Dick Stanz doesn’t get featured more in the history books, really…
Maybe in Florida?
Exclusively so, me thinks…
Beautiful. The idea of prayer as an expression of reciprocity resonates with me. Beyond religion, I do see it as a conversation and connection with self and the larger, deeper world (including that which can not be seen). I wrote a poem of reflection on vulnerability and strength, after hearing the election results. It seems to be resonating with people, perhaps you'd like to have a read: https://lindsayhartley.substack.com/p/into-the-heart-of-things
That’s lovely, Lindsay! Thanks for sharing it.
You're welcome Julie, thank you for the read & kind words.
These prayers are so empowering, Julie. We need writing like this now. Strange how sadness conjures the traumas of the past, like you open with. Hope you are feeling a little better this week 💙
Thank you! Yes, though the news is worse than ever (cabinet picks, plans to gut everything), I’m strangely more calm.
Thank you Julie
A lovely post. So many of us hurting, grieving, not understanding how this happened, and acceptance seems so far away. You have mentioned some of my favorite writers, mystics, poets. I carry them with me. And I am diving back into an all familiar place, grief. Revisiting Francis Weller, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and David Kessler. I look forward to following you here.
Thank you for being here, Carrie. 🕊️🤍
This is so lovely , a deep response to times we are in drawing on ancient wisdom and practice. Always felt a bit awkward around prayers but
feeling open to this. Such a beautiful prayer from Thomas Merton, thank you
Thanks for being here, Sally. 🤍
Thank you for this lovely post about St. Francis' prayer. I left the "church" a long time ago, but this is my favorite prayer.
Thanks for being here, Pamela. I feel the same way.
Beautiful...thank you.
Thanks for being here, Ian.
Thank you! I’ve been working on finding at least one beautiful and inspiring thing each day. I’m not really reading the news and I’ve retreated a bit for the moment. It’s helped. I’ve never understood the “Santa Claus” prayers or even that God will somehow deliver from suffering if I only pray hard enough. But wonder and awe at creation. Even just quiet contemplation. That’s how I experience God. And I love Thomas Merton.
That's a lovely practice, Sally -- to find one beautiful, inspiring thing. To court wonder and awe at creation. That beauty is always right there for us to notice.
So beautiful Julie
Thanks, Kate. It seemed like the time to do it.
I'm in, Julie. Looking forward to joining you in this prayerful work.
Thanks, Suzanne! Your post the other day really hit home.
Beautiful idea. I too look forward to joining you in this practice. It is so enlightening to look at familiar words and lines and ponder them anew with prayer and companionship. Thank you.
Wonderful. Thanks for being here. 🕊️🤍
What a wonderful idea! I look forward to following along. Right now I am filled with rage and disappointment.
Same. Maybe this will loosen up that anger gunk and shine a bit of light in.