To tell you the truth, I've always loved beads! But in the last few years, my appreciation has grown as I began using them in my prayer life. A couple of years ago, I discovered a little book called A Bead and A Prayer by Kristen Vincent (click here to read my post on discovering protestant prayer beads). That is where I learned that the modern English word “bead” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon “bede,” meaning “prayer.” And just like that, my love for beads grew exponentially! Today, I am sharing just a few tips I learned from Kristen and her husband Max (you can click here to see their site and dive in a little deeper). I had a chance to connect with them both at SoulFeast this summer at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina. I really enjoyed meeting the faces behind their work and hearing how others use prayer beads in their life during their workshop. One thing you should remember, prayer beads are simply a tool for more focused prayer. There is nothing special about the beads, although they can quickly become special as you spend time in prayer with your set. Also, there is not a right or wrong way to pray with beads. Some people pray for a person with each bead and others say specific prayers to accompany the beads. Some read scripture and then reflect with beads in hand or pray as it relates to the passage with each bead. For me, I most enjoy simply holding the beads as I read or pray - as an anchor - to remind myself that my intention during that time is to be with God. Finally, whether or not you have a set of prayer beads at home, you can explore praying with beads! Pick up a simple beaded bracelet or keychain (a starting/ stopping bead is helpful if you don't have a set of prayer beads but not required if you're simply holding the beads), you may be surprised with what you have around the house. And, if you're feeling crafty, or curious, Kristen has instructions and a great model for praying with beads on her site (click here to learn how to make your own prayer beads). And yes, there is also an online store where you can discover beads already made or kits to assemble on your own! I hope you'll plan to spend time this week exploring beads and see how they may impact your quiet time. My prayer beads are either on my nightstand or near my chair where I pray and write. And as today's passage reminds me, while I may often struggle being present, sometimes all I need is a simple reminder to do what is right. My prayer beads remind me to slow down and talk with God. If you've stumbled here for the first time, welcome! On Mondays through this Fall, I'm posting a short list of scriptures for weekly reflection as well as a different way to pray each week. Pray one scripture or pray them all, this is simply an invitation to journey deeper as we explore God's peace together through a variety of prayer styles. Click here to find out more and join us on the journey.
Peace, Whitney Breath. We all have it. Right? If you're reading these words, I can guarantee one thing, there is breath in your lungs. There is plenty of scripture in the Bible that tells us our breath is a gift from God. Glance below and see if any of these stand out to you: The Lord God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils. The human came to life. - Genesis 2:7 (CEB) The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. - Job 33:4 (NRSV) Now He drew close enough to each of them that they could feel His breath. He breathed on them: “Welcome the Holy Spirit of the living God.” - John 20:22 (Voice) Nor is God served by human hands, as though he needed something, since he is the one who gives life, breath, and everything else. - Acts 17:25 (CEB) Friends, God is the giver of the breath of life! It makes so much sense for us to use this gift as a constant way to commune with our creator. I stumbled upon using my own breath in a time of crisis in my life. A time when I had nothing and no one else to cling to, my breath was there and I began praying a breath prayer that affected me deeply. At the time, I didn't know this was an ancient practice. A breath prayer allows us to pray a simple and intimate repetitive prayer before God. This prayer form has been practiced in the church for millennia. It is a form of contemplative prayer linked to the simple rhythms of our breathing. Here is how it works: Breathe in, calling on a biblical name or image of God that is significant to you. Breathe out a simple God-given desire or longing of your heart. That's it! With the reminder that each breath is a gift from God, our prayer becomes an opportunity to abide in union with each and every breath, to “never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Breath Prayer examples: Creator, shine on me Abba, show yourself to me Holy One, keep me true Jesus, give me peace Lord, here I am Father, guide me Messiah, heal my heart You could also breathe in God's word as you follow along with your scripture reading this week. Consider Monday's passage of Mark 4:26-34. Breathe in the words of that parable for yourself today. You could pray: Inhale: God, Exhale: Give me faith like a mustard seed So, how does the thought of repetitive prayer strike you? What are the up sides and down sides of repetitive prayer? How might a breath prayer be shorthand for a longer prayer of your heart? A prayer for you this week: With each breath I breathe, may God's glorious, unlimited resources empower me with inner strength reminding me that Christ makes a home in my heart. May I have the insight to gain a glimpse, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep the creator's love is for me. May I experience the love of Christ fill me just as air fills my lungs, though both are too great to understand fully. May each breath remind me of the fullness of life and the power that comes from my creator. Amen. (Based on Ephesians 3:16-19) If you've stumbled here for the first time, welcome! On Mondays through this Fall, I'm posting a list of scriptures for reflection as well as a different way to pray each week. Pray one scripture or pray them all, this is simply an invitation to journey deeper as we explore God's peace together. Click here to find out more and join us on the journey.
Peace, Whitney Journaling. You either love it or….you don’t. It’s true. When asking others if they journal, they often tell me of the notebooks stacked in their closet. Or, they roll their eyes and insist journaling is not for them! While I’m inconsistent in how often I journal, journaling is vital to my prayer life. And I believe it was the first spiritual discipline I embraced as my own. I’m not sure if it was church camp or Sunday School, but somewhere along the way I learned about writing "Dear God" letters in lieu of “Dear Diary” letters. In my struggling teen years on through adulthood, I’ve poured my heart out to God on paper. I remember clearly the three ring binder where I kept those first love letters to God. And, I’m pretty certain I wrote in green ink on those pages (I do still use colored ink, it seems to liven things up a bit). Journaling has taught me more about myself over the years than any other spiritual discipline. There is wisdom in reading the words that come from your heart to God and I believe they give clarity. Here’s the secret, writing letters to God does not have to be eloquent or complicated. Pick up your pen (or pencil or head to your keyboard) and share your heart. Your "Dear God" letters may simply be bullet points on a list, they may be sketches on a page, they may not even use a pen/pencil and instead stored in a “cloud” electronically. This week, as you spend time with God, consider writing one or more “Dear God” letters. Consider sharing with God things like: how scripture is speaking to you in this season, where you see the holy in the world around you, the truth of your relationships, your daily triumphs or struggles, and the dreams of your heart. God knows. But, do you? Be BRAVE. Pour out your heart to God. If you regularly journal, consider exploring your previous prayers (or journal consistently for a week then review to notice any patterns or prominent longings of your heart). How have your prayers changed? What prayers have been answered? What prayers continue to tug at your heart? Watch for research this week (I'll be posting links on social media) about WHY journaling is good for the soul (and the brain). In the meantime, just write. If you've stumbled here for the first time, welcome! On Mondays through this Fall, I'm posting a list of scriptures for reflection as well as a different way to pray each week. Pray one scripture or pray them all, this is simply an invitation to journey deeper as we explore God's peace together. Click here to find out more and join us on the journey.
Peace, Whitney |
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