December 2020: Week 1

In preparation, during December, we will put gentle attention to Precontemplation/Contemplation, the first steps of the Stages of Change

Both Contemplation and Action are important to an examined, integrated, and authentic life. My prayer is that in a world filled with mental, physical, and even spiritual activity, Embrace Grace will open up contemplative space for deep to call to deep, and for Love to fill us to overflowing.

Season: Sabbath

Stage of Change: Precontemplation/Contemplation 

Attention to: Mind

Phase of Menstrual Cycle: Menses

INTENTION: REST

December 6- 12

DAILY PRACTICE: CENTERING PRAYER

One of the most powerful things we can do is REST. True rest brings about restoration, renewal, and rejuvenation. Sleep is a physical aspect of rest (most of us are sleep-deprived even though sleep is critical for the brain to do its housekeeping work for detoxification and memory consolidation).

Centering Prayer offers mental & spiritual rest. For 20 minutes (ideally twice) a day, you sit in silence to be held by Love.

You don’t have to do anything, be anything, prove anything, plan anything, try anything, expect anything.

You. Simply. Show. Up.

Your True Inner Self (Soul) shows up to be embraced by the Unconditional Love of Infinite, Holy Mystery (Spirit). That’s all you have to do. Show up for your Self, to meet Your Self in communion with Divine Love. A date with Unconditional Love, twice a day for 20 minutes, every day.

“Most of us were taught that God would love us if and when we change. In fact, God loves you so that you can change. What empowers change, what makes you desirous of change is the experience of love. It is that inherent experience of love that becomes the engine of change.”

-Richard Rohr

TUESDAY OFFERING: Soul-stice

MWHC Prayer Circle! McCain Whole Health Care has a Facebook private group page: Soul-stice, dedicated to soul care. Each Tuesday, I’ll share a verse/quote, and under that, members are welcome to ask for prayers and special intentions. If interested in joining, let me know.

THIS WEEK’S INVITATION: Read the Prayer by Thomas Merton. Consider taking the Contemplation & Action steps.

Contemplation Days 1-3

Sit with the prayer for 3 days. Simply read & re-read in silence or aloud, at different times of day, in different spaces.

Contemplation/Action Days 3-4

What word/phrases catch your attention? Highlight, circle, color, or simply remember the words/phrases.

Action Days 4-7

Notice how words that caught your attention in solitude are found in your lived experience with others.

Merton Prayer

O Lord God, I have no idea where I am going, 

I do not see the road ahead of me, 

I cannot know for certain where it will end. 

Nor do I really know myself, 

And the fact that I think I am following Your will 

Does not mean that I am actually doing so. 

But I believe 

That the desire to please You 

Does in fact please You. 

And I hope I have that desire 

In all that I am doing. 

I hope that I will never do anything 

Apart from that desire to please You. 

And I know that if I do this 

You will lead me by the right road, 

Though I may know nothing about it. 

Therefore I will trust You always 

Though I may seem to be lost 

And in the shadow of death. 

I will not fear, 

For You are ever with me, 

And You will never leave me 

To make my journey alone. 

Source: Thomas Merton, Pax Christi, Benet Press, Erie, PA.