O God of Uncreated Light, we come before you now to offer you our selves. We can only do this through your grace. Grant us the grace of mindfulness. Help us to be calm, so that we may rest in your silence and peace. Grant us the grace of willingness. Transform our will into yours, [...]
Today is one of two possible days for the anniversary of Julian of Norwich’s visions, which took place either on May 8 or May 13, 1373. So of course, today I want to share with you one of the many gems to be found in her writing. God is the ground of our praying. Arising [...]
After this he said nothing for a while, and I laid myself on the floor of his garret, and stared up and around at the great blue beautifulness. I had forgotten him almost, when at last he said, ‘Ain’t you done yet?’ ‘Done what?’ I asked. ‘Done saying your prayers,’ says he. ‘I wasn’t saying [...]
The life of prayer and contemplation is simply to realize God’s presence in the depth of our being, in the depth of every being, and at the same time beyond all beings, beyond all that is within and all that is without. — Abhishiktananda, Prayer One of the monks who teaches our Lay Cistercian group [...]
Then you should readily and trustfully commit yourself and all that concerns you to the unfailing and most sure Providence of God, in silence and peace. He Himself will fight for you, and will grant you a liberty and consolation better, nobler, and sweeter than would be possible if you gave yourself up day and [...]
In the simple promises for the junior lay associates (Lay Cistercians) of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, we promise, among other things, to live “life in simplicity and prayer.” I love that juxtaposition. Prayer and simplicity go together so beautifully, it seems to me, that one of the best ways to cultivate in our [...]
Okay, I have a confession to make. Sometimes I get bored with spiritual writing. That may seem like a crazy foolish thing for me to admit, for after all, I am a “spiritual writer” myself. But it’s true. I can only take so much gentle, kind, inspirational prose about discovering our inner authenticity and learning [...]