Tag: quiet

Simply Lent 29…

Lord,
it is night.

The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.

The night is dark.
Let our fears of the [nights] of the world and of our own lives
rest in you.

The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.

In your name we pray. Amen

-——————————

Prayer found in New Zealand Book of Common Prayer (thank you for sharing, Mark Bozzuti-Jones)

Image- unknown

the lily’s quiet tear

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It is that day, the day when the absence of sound is louder than we can imagine. This is time in-between. All hold still, in shock, in anger, in grief, and for some in fear. Nothing can be done. Our world has paused.

I always wake on Holy Saturday and feel the strength of this quiet pause. We know the ‘rest’ of the story and it is easy to move ahead in preparation for tomorrow’s sunrise- feeling awash with new life. But we cannot move any faster than time allows.

I entered the living room this morning and stopped in front of my lilies. I noticed they seemed to be gently opening for Easter’s Alleluia. Looking closer I saw that two of the flowers had what appeared to be small tear drops at the tip of their buds. Certainly I had seen this before but this morning it took my attention. For a moment I could hear all of creation call out, reminding me to slow down and be present to this still, quiet day. 

A day like no other — a time when all stands stands still.

 

Consistent ’empty time’

Finding yourself doesn’t require that you fly to Tibet, join a convent, or build a meditation room.
Just consistently keep a minimal commitment to empty time. 

 

Quote: Martha Beck
Photo: Phil Koch

This day

“…Show to me this day
amidst life’s dark streaks of wrong and suffering
the light that endures in every person.
Dispel the confusions that cling close to my soul
that I may see with eyes washed by your grace…
…that I may be well in my own soul
and part of the world’s healing
this day
that I may be well in my own soul
and part of the world’s healing
this day. (Wednesday Prayers from Celtic Benediction)

We close another day. May we sleep when we are covered by the blanket of stars and awaken to the rising sun, renewed and ready to meet the day. Tomorrow begins with deep concern and reaching for hope. Wherever we are- imagine how we are connected- in safety, in spirit. May we see one another and be part of the healing.

.

Thank you, Martha Clark.

Photos: Dark Streaks
Rhode River, Edgewater MD

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