Can you pray for me? How often are you asked that question? I find myself being asked that so very often and not only in face to face meetings but via email and texts as well. It got me to thinking about the subject of prayer. How much is too much? I don't mean to imply that you can over-pray but I wonder if God becomes weary from our laundry lists? I know that He doesn't and if I understand anything it is that God is limitless. I also understand that it is folly and possibly dangerous to describe God in human terms but it is all we have. I think what I am beginning to understand is that the asking is not the problem. It is more about my capacity as a human to handle all of these requests. I must admit that it has gotten to the point where I cannot remember all of the things that I have been asked to pray for and so I cover it all by saying "God, you know what I am supposed to be praying for." and leave it at that. I am not proud of that fact. I should be able to be a more productive pray-er but I am not unlimited. My limitations are numerous and so I pray like a human prays and that is with limits. I really don't think God cares either. What do you think. I would love to hear you comments on this.
I am just beginning to dive into the beautiful, ancient devotion to the Five Wounds of Jesus, and I wanted to share a bit of the journey with you. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to look at the Crucifix this closely, but I’ve found such a gentle guide in St. Bernard of Clairvaux . In his Jubilee Rhythm on the Passion, Bernard doesn't treat the wounds of Jesus as distant historical facts or sights to be avoided. Instead, he approaches them with the tenderness of a friend, speaking directly to the feet, hands, side, and face of our Lord. For someone like me who is just starting out, his rhythm teaches that prayer isn't just about reciting words; it’s a holy hide-and-seek. Bernard invites us to literally hide ourselves within these wounds, seeing them as clefts in the rock where we can find shelter when our own lives feel turbulent or heavy. As I start this process, I’ve been practicing what I call gazing and greeting. Following Bernard’s lead, I look at the Crucifix an...
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