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However, simply praying before we act is not adequate either. One form of this praying without remaining open to the Spirit can be called "bookend praying." Bookend praying often happens in meetings. This is, generally, how such proceeds: We pray up front, we conclude with prayer, all in between we act completely closed to any discernment of how the Spirit might be offering Presence and guidance. This is no different than saying a prayer in the morning and before sleep at night, and acting all day without remaining in communion with the Holy Spirit.
Matthews claims that contemplative prayer is the basic prayer of all prayers, not an additional way of praying for only a minority called to be "contemplatives." Without this practice of Prayerful Silence, being open to God within, he says "our action becomes mere theater and politics, frothy action without direction or compassion or wisdom." Therefore, the Prayer of Presence is a Prayer to open us, as persons and communities of faith, both to the Love of God and the insight to act wisely and compassionately, and with balance.
Spiritual Exercise
Reflect on the following, as though God is saying this to you, now, and each morning, too:
My child, I enjoy the sound of your voice, in prayer and song. But, now, I am longing just to enjoy being beside you for a few minutes. Persons are always asking me to give them something or to help someone. Would you simply share some time loving Me? I created you in My likeness so we could enjoy each other. I know there are demands on your attention and time. But, come to Me, for I come to you. Give me just a little time, and my Presence will help you keep perspective and calm you as you go about your daily tasks. Remember, I love you, even when I seem absent. I am here, always. Nothing can ever change that, my child. And, I thank you for sharing with Me your deepest thoughts and yearnings, as you let Me share the same with you, as heart-speaks-to-heart in the Silence of our giving and receiving love. Then, let us companion each other today, through everything we do together.
A Prayer
God of your goodness,
give me yourself,
for you are sufficient for me...
If I were to ask anything less
I should always be in want,
for in you alone do I have all.
-Julian of Norwich
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spirtual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, call Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at 863-285-9059 or send a mail to briankwilcox@comcast.net .
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
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