Now that we are in Lent, the Lectionary turns to the temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13). This can be a hard story to relate to — after all few of us have probably had an audibly verbal conversation with Satan — and even fewer of us have to defend to him that we are the Read More …
What is the “goal” of centering prayer? That’s often a question that trips people up from time to time. It has tripped me up too. Let me explain what I mean… Whether it’s from personal experience with different forms of meditation, portrayals of meditation and meditators in popular culture, or somewhere we can’t place, many Read More …
This Sunday is the last Sunday of Epiphany, which means we get to read about the Transfiguration. Whenever I read this passage, I am struck by how much it is a metaphor for those times of deep spiritual experience in our lives. Just look at Peter — He’s weighed down with sleep at first but Read More …
As an Episcopalian, I follow the Revised Common Lectionary. In this section, I would like to offer you some thoughts on the upcoming Gospel passage for next Sunday. Some food for thought…material for meditation…please take or leave it as you see fit.
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster is the first book written by and for Evangelicals on the traditional Christian spiritual life. For centuries, the Christian spiritual life — known then by its historical name of Christian mysticism — was seen as suspect by Protestants in general and Evangelicals in particular. Foster cuts through that history Read More …
What is contemplation? If you spend much time on this website, you’ll probably read a lot about contemplation, contemplative prayer, and contemplatives. So, I thought I might start out by writing about what I mean by contemplation. (You’ll also find out that I absolutely love definitions, but I digress.) Most of the time, when you Read More …
One of the aspects of centering prayer that I love the most is its approach to sitting (I know, I know — exciting, right?). Many forms of silent meditation emphasize complete stillness. Centering prayer is a little more realistic — a little more for “the rest of us.” You see, I’m an incorrigible fidgeter, so Read More …
