A BLESSED ADVENT

 

(friary chapter for this Advent time)

 

A BLESSED ADVENT SEASON

Before we get too much further into Advent, the friars here at the Interprovincial Prayer Fraternity wish you and yours a most BLESSED ADVENT;  keep us in prayer as we keep you.  

REFLECTION BY ST. AMBROSE

 

(statue of St. Francis in the friary)

 

Prayer is the wing by which the soul flies to heaven, and

meditation is the eye by which we see God.

(Yesterday was the feast of St. Ambrose; this is a prayer quote by him to ponder.)

 

SIMPLICITY IN YOUR PRAYER

(Charley's Hollow -- a stream flowing thru monastery property)

 

BRINGING SIMPLICITY INTO YOUR PRAYER

 

We have a principle in science called "Occam's Razor" that says if multiple theories explain a phenomenon such as the motion of the planets across the sky, the simplest theory is preferred.

 

In my spiritual life, I try to seek simplicity.  It's so easy to pile up prayer books and, now, podcasts, that my prayer time gets so busy I forget to just pray.   When I recognize that I've lost simplicity in prayer, I turn to a meditation that many spiritual teachers recommend.   In rhythm with my breathing, I start with, "Be still and know that I am God,"  then drop words off the end to "Be still and know that I am,"   "Be still and know," and "Be still."    Then add the last words back on.  In this way I am able to allow space in my mind and heart for God to reveal what my busy prayers hide from me.

 

(The above quote is by Aileen O'Donoghue and appears as a daily mediation for Dec. 4, 2012, in Living Faith,  www.livingfaith.com)  

PRAYER QUOTE

 

Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.

(This quote is by St. John Chrysostom)