Today’s Reflection
To develop a more present-minded way of living, you might experiment regularly with an exercise that I first came across in the writings of Metropolitan Antony. The basic steps go as follows:
Set aside some time, perhaps five minutes, to do nothing. Simply sit down in your room and say, “I am seated; I am doing nothing. I will do nothing for the next five minutes.”
Having declared your intention for this little space of time, decide firmly that nothing will pull you away during these five minutes. If you find yourself emigrating mentally into the past or the future, bring yourself back to the here and now with the thought I am here in the presence of God, in and in the presence of all the furniture that is around me, just still, moving nowhere.
I have discovered that doing this exercise regularly builds up the capacity to live more deeply in the present within our everyday lives.
—Trevor Hudson, A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassion (Upper Room Books, 2005)
Today’s Question
Try the spiritual practice referenced above. Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save?
—Habakkuk 1:2 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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3 Comments
I will try this exercise later as today my time is short due to a gyn appointment. It sounds very interesting and one that is likely to yield results.
Prayers the gynecologist finds no issues would be appreciated. Megan’s dad is coming home today or tonight. At least this is my understanding. When Megan awakens I will confirm with her. I am used to spending that Sunday at home cleaning but I did my cleaning on Monday and have made plans with myself! I am going to try attending the church I belonged to when I first moved to the Pittsburgh area. I looked at their website and they continue to be a large and active presence in their community. I am looking forward to attending again. Have trepidation regarding this winter but I will cross that bridge when it occurs.
Prayers for Ally’s job search and her and David’s health. Prayers for April’s attempts to work on being fully present with those who need her. Prayers for Jill and Larry, may they heed the heat when planning golfing trips and may they be safe and well. Prayers for Lou and her family as they stay connected across the miles. Prayers for Robert and his children as they work to deepen and heal their relationships.
Thank you for your prayers and God bless all who come here today.
The concept of doing nothing is a tough one. As long as you are alive you are doing something, even just sitting there you are both physically and mentally active. I do understand what the author’s goal is and in that sense the activity makes sense. Becoming silent, listening for God, being aware of God, these are good things.
Hope there are positive results going to church, being in the presence of like minded people, aka fellowship, is helpful for all believers. Yes, the weather issue can wait.
So nice to read another person’s post before mine, in this activity being first isn’t all that great.
I add my prayers to yours, Julie, there’s fellowship on line as well.
Thank You, Lord.
My sister says she can just be sitting there, thinking of nothing. My mind is always full. I don’t think I am capable of thinking of nothing. What is crucial for me is to re-direct my thoughts when necessary.
Dad and I went to my cousin’s kid’s baseball game last night, which got delayed due to a rainstorm, and ultimately cancelled. It was good to talk with my cousin’s wife while we waited. We missed this family time due to Covid. Glad we can just pick up and catch up.
I talked my friend into golfing 9 holes this morning. She enjoyed it so much, she is thinking of investing in new clubs. We used to play 18 holes every week or so many summers ago. Maybe if she invests in new clubs, she will play more. We went to a few sports stores and had lunch out as well. A pleasant surprise.
Eight years ago when my sister and I went up through New England, up to Maine and into Robert’s New Hampshire – I bought a mobile type thing which holds 5 picture frames. My intent was to get pictures made of places I had traveled and hang it. Well, it still sits in its box. Finally this afternoon, I got motivated – and ordered pictures – from that trip, Glacier National Park, Mount Ranier, The Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon and Zion. I need 10 pictures to fill it. I also ordered canvas prints of photos I have from trips to the beach – this will fill the one space I am not quite satisfied with in my bedroom. And lastly – I ordered prints of mom, dad, Becky and I from our trips to both Florida and the Carolina – to fill the two beach frames I have sitting on my dresser. So productive…I can pick up the photos for the mobile and the frames here shortly.
Made a brownie peanut butter thing – dessert for my sister’s birthday – which we will celebrate Friday. I also need to wrap her gift this evening. Love having Wimbledon on – have it playing throughout the day while I do miscellaneous things.
We have had several soaking rains in the last 24 hours. So good for my yard and flowers. If it there is a break this evening, I will go out for a walk.
Julie – I am so glad to hear that you will be attending church this weekend. I pray you will feel welcomed and comfortable.
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