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Prayerful Morsels
Tidbits of Inspiration & Information
March 20, 2009 |
Morsels From the Editor
In This Issue - I wrote an article about Monastic Mindfulness. Since Monastic spirituality is a significant part of my spiritual journey, I wished to share some of what I have been working on during Lent.
Mindfulness is something that I find very helpful to my prayer life. Mindful breathing is something I practice throughout the day, saying "Jesus" as I take deep breaths in and out. It helps me to center myself, especially in the middle of a crazy day, and keeps me attentive.
In Personal Pondering, I share a brief thought on compassion.
Next Issue - The next issue is the week before Holy Week. What a special time! Perhaps you would like to share any special ways you celebrate or any ponderings of your own. If so, write me a letter and let me know if I can publish your response.
Check out my blogs on
If you have any suggestions for this column or other articles, please
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Prayerful Quote
Center all your attention and desire on God and let this be the sole concern of your mind and heart.
- Anon (14th Century)
The Cloud of Unknowing | |
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Personal Pondering
by Colleen Spiro
I have a picture on my living room wall called the Compassionate Christ. This picture shows Jesus with tears filling his eyes and his eyes follow you wherever you go. Sometimes, when I am busy - too busy I would say - I forget that picture is there. It is not right in my line of vision when I am sitting in the living room. But then I will look at it and I am reminded of Jesus' compassion and his love for me.
To know Jesus cries with me and for me, brings me such comfort and peace. If we can bring just a little of that compassion to others, what a world this would be. Don't you think? |
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Monastic Mindfulness
by Colleen Spiro
Monastic mindfulness is awareness of our present surroundings and our present state of mind and heart. It is about living in the present moment. It is about paying attention to what is right in front of us and seeing God.
David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, writes in his book, Music of Silence, that the essence of prayer is to remember that we stand in God's presence, no matter what we are doing. He suggests that we stop a couple of times a day or even every hour and say something like "remember God's presence".
Father Gregory Fruehwirth, OJN, an Anglican monk, in his book Words For Silence, suggests stopping during the day to take in deep breaths and slowly let them out, as a way to remind us of God's presence within and around us. He calls that "mindful breathing." He suggests various mantras to say when doing this.
We spend a large part of our lives looking for God in the clouds or the stars or beyond. But we don't need to look that far. God is right in front of us, in creation and in each other and in the present moment.
Anthony DeMello - "To a preacher who kept saying, "We must put God in our lives," the Master said, "He is already there. Our business is to recognize this." |
A Gratitude Journal
by Colleen Spiro
I am grateful to God for always coming through for us and reaffirming our belief that he always will be there for us. - Hugs, Cathy
What are you grateful for today??? Is there something that you would like to thank God for and would like to share? Write to the Editor and put in the subject line - Gratitude. | |
Want to read more of Colleen's reflections?
Go check out her blog, Thoughts on Grace, is HERE.
And her book blog, Surviving By Grace, is HERE.
AND if you enjoy reading this ezine or find it helpful to your prayer life, please forward it to someone you think might find it interesting!! Click on link below (down below at the bottom of this newsletter) that says Forward to a friend. |
 Colleen's memoir about surviving child sexual abuse, The Third Floor Window, A True Story of Secrets, Survival and Hope, is on sale at:
Booklocker.com.
For more info, see book website: The Third Floor Window. | |
| Prayerful Morsels
Copyright 2009 Colleen Spiro - All Rights Reserved |
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