Simple Contemplative Prayer

The Jesus Prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

The Jesus Prayer Used for focused contemplative prayer (10-15 minutes set aside) and for “praying without ceasing” (while waiting at the cashier or your computer to boot up) Often shortened (but as an abbreviation of the whole) “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me” “Jesus have mercy” “Jesus”

The Jesus Prayer Possible tweak: “Lord Jesus Christ, your mercy for me, a sinner.” “Jesus, your mercy for me” “Jesus, your mercy” “Jesus”

Orthodox Prayer Rope

Prayer of Trust I trust in the way of love I trust in you, God of love I rest in your way of love, (Jesus) Start with experience: We know with confidence that the way of love is what matters most We are enabled to choose trust as God is revealed to us as the God of love Jesus reveals the true nature of God and shows us what the way of love looks like

Prayer of Acceptance a daily/weekly meditation? Facing myself (emotions, mistakes, weaknesses, strengths) Facing life around me (circumstances near and far, tasks and burdens, community, natural world) Facing those who are for me (family and friends – with needs or with gratitude) Facing those who are against me (hurts, frustrations, fears, resentment) Facing what has been (accepting the past) Facing what may be (aware of hopes and fears)

Beatitude Liturgy Aware of our weakness and dependence on others (Blessed are the poor) Aware of our emptiness, our losses, hurts and frustrations (Blessed are those who mourn) Aware of our longings for beauty and justice (Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness) Aware that there is suffering along the way of love (Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness)

Beatitude Liturgy (cont’d) We choose to be open, kind and teachable (Blessed are the meek) We choose the way of humble integrity (Blessed are the pure in heart) We choose to show forgiving compassion to all (Blessed are the merciful) We’ll seek justice with persistence but without violence (Blessed are the peacemakers)

The Guest House This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they are a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

The Guest House (cont’d) The dark thought, the shame, the malice. meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whatever comes. because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. —Rumi, trans. Coleman Barks

Rep. John Lewis (key civil rights leader and still a member of congress) I say to the young people, the young protestors, and those not so young: Accept the way of peace, believe in the way of love, believe in the philosophy of non-violence. Never become bitter. Never become angry. And do whatever you can to speak truth to power. December 2016