Contemplative Practices

Tonight we spent some time reflecting on our own Contemplative Practices. We used this tree from The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society to imagine where the practices we currently engage in fit in the larger scheme. We also enjoyed seeing all the options there are for what contemplative practices look like. Thanks to Wanda for sharing this image with us.

What practices do you enjoy? What on this tree surprises you?

Wesley Covenant Prayer, remix

During our LIFE Groups this week, we spent some time reflecting on the words of the Wesley Covenant Prayer, which is part of our suggested daily devotions each day. One of the ways we engaged the prayer was by inviting people to rewrite the prayer in their own words -- to make the words their own. Here's what I came up with, which I think really does reflect my personal prayer right now:

God, I belong to you --
all of me to all of you.
May there be less of me
and more of you
every day,
wherever I am,
whatever I'm doing,
whatever I'm facing --
working or unemployed,
in prosperity or in pain;
when I'm celebrated
and when I'm ignored;
when all is well
and when all comes up empty;
when my cup is full
and when my wants are many.
I give it all up, Lord --
less of me and me of you.
Take it all.
And now, God,
great One above all
and in all
and beneath all,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
I belong to you --
all of me to all of you.
And now, what I say with my lips,
may I live it fully
and deeply
eternally.
Amen.