It's not my intention to teach anyone prayer or meditation, I am not in a position to be a public guide. This post is really more about me trying to make sense of a program of recovery that was given to me, a step toward peace which I have struggled with for over five years, and for some reason has always eluded me.
That said, I had a turning point a couple of weeks ago where I felt God's presence so clearly, where I knew fully that of myself I am nothing - it is He who does the work.1 My contact was instantaneous; I began to understand what I was being taught and was able to discern not only my purpose, but who I was to work and connect with.
I do not believe that we should go by spiritual matters alone, but currently I am in a bit of a limbo with my spiritual adviser, so I have been wearily self-teaching. That said, I have learnt a bit in the past whereby I can do some homework, so to speak, and can take it to my "teacher" soon enough.
Writing this entry helps get it "into" my body and mind, and I choose to post it, in case someone else might wish to follow it and from it might benefit.
This is how I have been practicing my daily spirituality:
1) Upon waking, I kneel at my bed. I keep my sheepskin rug at my bedside, so there is no prep-work. I do this before checking my phone. I recite The Lord's Prayer, and then I thank God for my life. I ask to be free of self-seeking motives, and I ask for God to transmute my fear into love (I have realized that I wake up afraid, but I was unaware of this until last week). I then conclude my prayer time with asking Him to let me help someone that day. The promise in practicing this is that I will be able to access my mental faculties and my mind will be cleared of wrong motives.
2) I clean up, shower, make coffee, and then sit down at my table. I review my day, I use my planner if necessary. I ask God to prepare me for my day, and I ask Him to help me get done what needs to get done.
3) I read my daily prayer and meditation book. I consider how I might apply or recall it as my day goes on.
4) Before leaving the door, I say a little prayer for God to give me His peace, and to guide me. It is also important to reinforce that once I walk past that door, all bets are off - I am officially out into the world, and simply do not know what's going to happen. I generally know what my day will look like, especially since I have reviewed it, but it is the curve balls that we can't prepare for, and which can knock us out.
I have also been taught "spot-check" requests to God, which I consider the emergency prayers:
1) When feeling stuck or indecisive, ask God for inspiration. The promise is that I will be able to relax and take it easy.
2) When feeling agitated, ask God for direction, and affirm, "Thy will be done". The promise is that I will be in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity or foolish decisions. I will not tire so easily, for I won't be burning up energy.
In closing, I can say that within one week of this practice, it really does work.
In closing, I can say that within one week of this practice, it really does work.
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| The gladiolus flower symbolizes strength of character, faithfulness, and honour. |
1 John 5.19
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