I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (v.8)
— Psalm 16
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— Psalm 16 Resource Archive: Newsletter Archives |
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The RevWriter Resource (ISSN 1545-939X) A publication of RevWriter Resources, LLC October 2009 Volume 8, Number 9 Susan M. Lang, Editor and Publisher <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Dear Friends: I still have my childhood prayer book--a Little Golden Book entitled Prayers for Children. The majority of its illustrations pictured the only way I'd ever learned to pray as a child: with head bowed and eyes closed. Since then I've discovered there are many other postures and forms of prayer that we can engage in when conversing with God. One of my favorites is walking a labyrinth. Out of curiosity I typed the word "prayer" into my favorite Internet search engine and discovered a wide variety of websites and resources devoted to that topic. One interesting site referred to a 1991-2001 Barna Research Study that indicated that 82 percent of adults pray on a weekly basis. That's a lot higher than I would have guessed. Another site offered a twelve question quiz that gives you the opportunity to identify your "prayer personality." I even discovered that my denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has a prayer center on its website, which includes a variety of prayer tools and resources. In following these links and others, I learned some things about prayer life that I hadn't known or thought of before. This month, pastor and spiritual director Wanda Schwandt, offers readers both her personal reflection on prayer and a variety of prayer forms to try. You might think of her article and the accompanying resource list as a prayer toolbox to build and further develop your prayer life. As a child I thought there was only one way to pray but I was wrong. Why not use this month's article to explore other options and prayer forms. To help get your prayer expedition started I'll even include several of the links to sites I've mentioned so that you can check them out yourself. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/having-a-chat-with-god.htm http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/index.aspx http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Prayer-Center.aspx Blessings upon your journey of life, RevWriter Sue Lang sue@revwriter.com If you need a leadership or other retreat facilitator, contact Pastor Sue Lang at sue@revwriter.com or call 215-453-8128. While Sue does have a list of previous workshop topics, she can create a retreat or workshop to meet the needs of your congregational leadership. Sue can also develop group leadership/learning events for a cluster of congregations that would like to increase their learning capacity by interacting with others and discovering what they are doing in their ministries. Contact her to learn more about congregational cluster workshops! Additional information on Sue's consulting work is also located at: http://www.revwriter.com/congregational/churchconsultant/index.shtml <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17) <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Theme: Deepening Your Spiritual Life Who would benefit from this issue? Pastors, church staff, all congregational leaders, Sunday school teachers, and any Christian seeking to deepen his or her relationship with God. Table of Contents 1 - Devotion: Psalm 16 by Susan M. Lang 2 - Prayer Forms for Busy People by Wanda Schwandt 3 - Additional Resources 4 - Prayer Aids 5 - RevWriter News 6 - Announcements 7 - Publications Still Available 8 - Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 1 - Devotion by Susan M. Lang Read: Psalm 16 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (v.8) Because life can be fast-paced and often quite stressful, I've filled my office and my home with symbols of my spiritual journey and my faith life. A stained glass representation of the Holy Spirit watches over me and blesses me as it hangs in my office window. A wall filled with an assortment of crosses is a constant reminder to stay grounded in my faith as I engage in writing, coaching, and consulting. Both my husband and I have individual prayer tables decorated with candles, crosses, and other religious symbols. His is in our sunroom and mine in the living room. And since January 2007, I've carried a glass and ceramic bead bracelet called the Pearls of Life to keep me focused and centered at all times. During times of stress I've been known to hold the beads and pray the very brief prayer of the God pearl: "You are boundless; you are near. You are light and I am yours."* During the course of our hurried and harried lives it is often easy for children of God to forget who we are and whose we are. Surrounding ourselves with visual reminders helps us to do what David proclaims in Psalm 16: "I keep the LORD always before me." And keeping God as a focal point for daily living also reminds us that nothing that happens in our lives will be able to separate us from God's love. Ever. O God, in all that I do each day help me to remain focused on you and your love for me. Amen. Copyright © 2009 Susan M. Lang *From: Pearls of Life: For the Personal Spiritual Journey by Martin Lonnebo, Carolina Welin, and Carolina Johansson (Augsburg Fortress, 2006), p. 19. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 2 - Prayer Forms for Busy People by Wanda Schwandt In John 6:35 Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." Ancient Celtic Christians believed there was no place, no thing, no one not graced with divine presence. For them, the ordinary and extraordinary were mingled like yeast in bread dough. God's ultimate design could be found in nature's wild strength as well as in daily chores; in a passing stranger as well as in one's self. As in a game of hide-and-seek, the Celts looked intently for the divine in all of life, and were rewarded by a God who loves to be found. Christ is our daily bread, nourishing us with strength to love and serve God. As pastors and leaders, our days are filled with activity, work, care giving, self-care, and household concerns. Often intentional devotional time is crowded off our lengthy to-do lists. When prayer begins to feel like just another chore, it is important to practice prayer forms that feed us in the midst of our daily routines. With all forms of prayer, the intent is to focus on your desire for God and God's desire for you; to be attentive to God's presence in each moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. No part of life is closed to God's presence. But are we open to God's active participation in every moment? The simplest way to reconnect with God is using what comes naturally--your breath. No matter where you are or what you are doing, stop briefly for a few deep cleansing breaths: Inhale slowly for five seconds, hold five seconds, exhale slowly for five seconds, hold five seconds. Repeat and rest in simple awareness of God's presence. As a reminder, carry a stone in your pocket, wear a special ring, or a loose rubber band where you are likely to encounter it several times a day. Another form of breath prayer is silently repeating short phrases as you inhale and exhale. These words should speak to your relationship with God and may come from scripture or out of a felt need; for example: "My Lord" (inhale), "my Shepherd" (exhale, then pause), "my life" (inhale), "my love" (exhale, then pause), "create in me" (inhale), "a clean heart" (exhale, then pause), "thy kingdom come" (inhale), "thy will be done" (exhale). As this becomes a frequent practice, you may be surprised to notice the prayer praying within you at unexpected times. Body prayers use our natural movements to reconnect with the Spirit. One body prayer can be done while seated: Tighten and relax muscle groups beginning with your toes and moving up your body. Move and stretch slowly. Fold your body in half by bending at the waist, lowering your upper body until you feel like a rag doll. Breathe deeply, then slowly raise your body back to a seated position, vertebrae by vertebrae. Rest your hands on your lap with palms up and take a few more deep breaths. Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite brother in Paris in 1666, was assigned kitchen duty among the pots and pans--a task he initially loathed performing. Over time, he endeavored to live fully in a continual sense of God's presence no matter what the task. Lawrence believed that one's only business was to love and delight one's self in God, to practice the presence of God in all activity. The more he "practiced," the more he became overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. Many times the radio, TV, iPod, etc., accompanies us as we go about our daily tasks. Are there times during your day when you can turn off the noise and allow Christ to be your companion instead? Start by practicing presence while washing dishes, walking the dog, or driving around. Gradually, allow the internal conversation to flow into tasks that require more of your concentration. The primary practice of spiritual companions (directors) is listening deeply as one is present with another. Both the listener and the guest are willingly attentive to the Spirit's movement and direction in their midst. Many people cross your path in the course of a day, and a great many of those, if not all, hunger for someone to hear their joys and concerns, to gift them with simple acknowledgement that they exist, to receive a smile and eye contact, even if only for mere seconds. Offer the bread of Christ to a coworker, client, parishioner, or friend by putting your agenda aside for a moment and truly listening to his or her heart. Some of the people you encounter over the course of a day bring up undesirable feelings within you. Maybe a relative pushes your buttons or a boss pokes at a tender emotional bruise, intentionally or otherwise. Perhaps God has sent such a one into your life for a reason. It is easy to be judgmental and self-righteous on such occasions. Benedictine spirituality would call for humility. Recognize the gift this person brings to you in your quest to be authentic before God and others. What is the unfinished business they have tapped into? Take a moment to bring the offense and the offender before God in prayer as you ponder, "What is he or she here to teach me?" and "Lord, how do you want me to pray for this person?" The end of each day (or the beginning of a new day) is a good time to review your activities. Ignatius of Loyola (early 1500s) wrote of his own spiritual practices, in which he included his Examen. Following Ignatius' pattern, with God as your guide, review all of your activities that day, and contemplate them in light of these simple questions: "Where have I given or received love today?" Rejoice and give thanks to the author of love. "When and to whom was I less than loving?" Confess your sins before Christ and ask for a renewed spirit. Review the day to come and prayerfully anticipate how Christ, your daily bread, will travel with you. While these suggested prayer forms are not a substitute for scheduled times of contemplative prayer, they can keep your spiritual desire fresh until you are able to devote a lengthier amount of time to prayer. One form feeds the other. Regular devotional time nourishes you with God's presence like a Thanksgiving meal, where the aroma of the Spirit's presence lingers with you through the day. And, like a quick snack, stolen moments with God during the heat of the day are refreshing, and point you back to lengthier devotional times with anticipation and enthusiasm. "Give us each day our daily bread." (Luke 11: 3) Copyright © 2009 Wanda G. Schwandt Wanda Schwandt is an ordained pastor, writer, teacher and trained Spiritual Companion (Director). She has been published in several periodicals and e-zines and she is co-authoring a book combining contemplative prayer practice with creative expression. Wanda has been a leader of contemplative prayer groups and retreats and adult continuing education for over twenty years and is a graduate of Lancaster Theological Seminary and the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International and convener of the Spiritual Life Mission Team of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, UCC. Visit her website: www.intimateprayer.com or e-mail her at fountain@intimateprayer.com <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 3 - Additional Resources: The Art of Christian Listening by Thomas Hart (Paulist Press, 1980) The Attentive Life: Discerning God’s Presence in All Things by Leighton Ford (IVP Books, 2008) Monk Habits for Everyday People: Benedictine Spirituality for Protestants by Dennis Okholm (Brazos Press, 2007) The Practice of the Presence of God and the Spiritual Maxims by Brother Lawrence (Baker Books, 2001) Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality by Thomas Ryan (Paulist Press, 2004) Handbook of Spirituality for Ministers, vol. 1, by Robert J. Wicks (Paulist Press, 1995) Grace on the Go: 101 Quick Ways to Pray by Barbara Bartocci (Morehouse Publishing, 2006) Power Prayers to Start Your Day by Donna Maltese (Barbour Publishing, 2007) <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 4 - Prayer Aids Pearls of Life: For the Personal Spiritual Journey by Martin Lonnebo, Carolina Welin, and Carolina Johansson Prayer Bracelets from Lisa's Creations (Editor's note: I own one of these and it's quite lovely) Prayer Shaw Ministry Prayer Bead Ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church, Bethlehem, PA <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 5 - RevWriter News A- Recent RevWriter Sightings: +RevWriter Resources, LLC is now officially an ELCA Lifelong Learning +Sue is serving as a coach in the ELCA Board of Pensions' Journey of B- Recently Released! +John (Learner Guide and Leader Guide) by Susan M. Lang (Augsburg <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 6 - Announcements Financial Contributions Welcomed Costs to produce and manage The RevWriter Resource will increase for me this year as the subscriber base continues to grow. Writers of devotions and main articles have always been, and will continue to be, paid. In the past, this has come out of my personal writing income, but as this ministry continues to grow, the cost to me will also continue to increase. In the effort to maintain the ministry provided through the publication of The RevWriter Resource without requiring a subscriber's fee, I am now welcoming contributions from subscribers. Contributions may be sent to: RevWriter Resources, LLC Or through Paypal to sue@revwriter.com Most importantly, I appreciate your prayers as this ministry continues to grow during its seventh year in publication. Blessings, Sue <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 7 - Publications Still Available: +Our Community: Dealing with Conflict in Our Congregation by Susan M. +Welcome Forward: A Field Guide for Global Travelers by Susan M. Lang +Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work (Augsburg Fortress +The Lutheran Handbook: A Field Guide to Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff +The Christian Handbook: An Indispensable Guide to All Things Christian +The Christian Handbook for Pastors (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN +Christian Handbook on Marriage (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN +The Lutheran Handbook for Pastors (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN +Lutheran Handbook on Marriage (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN +Akaloo Guidebook (Augsburg Fortress, 2006, ISBN 10-0-8066-537-5). Sue +The Lutheran Marriage Course (Augsburg Fortress, 2006) +The Abingdon Children's Sermon Library, Volume 2 (Abingdon Press, 2007, +The Abingdon Children's Sermon Library, Volume 3 (Abingdon Press, 2008, +The Lutheran Handbook II (Augsburg Fortress, 2007, ISBN 9780806670379). +Questions for Life: Luke's View, an Akaloo Handbook (Augsburg Fortress, +Questions for Life: John's View, an Akaloo Handbook (Augsburg Fortress, +Sue has contributed to the online Here We Stand confirmation resources <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 8 - Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info I maintain a strict privacy policy and will not sell or share my subscription list. The RevWriter Resource is sent to you at no cost. If you know of someone who might be interested in receiving The RevWriter Resource, you are welcome to forward it. Please do so only in its entirety, including my copyright information. If someone has forwarded The RevWriter Resource to you, I invite you to subscribe. To do so, visit my website at: http://www.revwriter.com/congregational/resource.shtml#signup Copyright 2002-2009 RevWriter Susan M. Lang. All rights reserved. For permission to quote or reprint, please contact me for written consent at sue@revwriter.com or The Rev. Sue Lang www.revwriter.com
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