Pax et Bonum

The Online worship resource for St. James Parish

February 18, 2009

Meditation is the tongue of the soul
And the language of our spirit...
---Jeremy Taylor---
God’s thoughts,
His will, his love, his judgments
are all man’s home.
To think his thoughts,
To choose his will,
To love his loves,
To judge his judgments,
And thus to know that he is in us,
Is to be at home.
---George Macdonald---

The Joys of Meditation

Language and its use is an interesting study. Think of the many words that are in our vocabulary today, that even ten or fifteen years ago had a different meaning. Several years ago, the word meditation was linked with eastern religions or their companions, such as Transcendental Meditation. Because of that link, some Christians feared the word and the link with a belief not their own.

The reality, however, is that meditation is an ancient practice in many faiths, including the Christian Church. To study and ponder scripture, to place oneself within the passage, to think about how the characters in the stories are interacting, and to pray, God, what are you saying to me, is a form of meditation.

Another form, which has become common in many Churches is that of contemplative prayer. In some Christian traditions, there is a difference between meditation and contemplation – one being based in thought, and one being based in silent listening and acceptance. In other traditions, the words are interchangeable.

While contemplation can take as many forms as meditation, one that is common is Centering Prayer, in which a person focuses on a word or phrase, often from a passage of scripture, and meditates in silence for a prescribed period of time.

There have been many studies lately about the benefits of meditation, not only to the spiritual life, but also for our mental and physical health. Meditation lowers the heart rate, breathing slows down, muscles relax, blood pressure lowers, blood flow and serotonin levels increase, and deeper relaxation is achieved.

During Lent, we will once again offer an opportunity for Contemplative Prayer. Join us on Thursday evenings at 7:00 in the Meditation Chapel. Our plan is to be in quiet meditation for about 30 minutes. You will find that the practice will help you in your Lenten disciplines.

By meditation I can converse with God,
Solace myself on the bosom of the Savior,
Bathe myself in the rivers of divine pleasure,
Tread the paths of my rest,
And view the mansions of eternity.
---anonymous---

Debra is away this week visiting her son and daughter-in-law in Colorado.

Daily Morning Prayer

Daily Morning Prayer

If you really wish to achieve spiritual stillness
And to guard your heart successfully,
Then let the prayer,
"Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me"
become one with your breathing,
and in a few days you will see
how it can all be achieved.
---Hesychios---

This Week at St. James

Prayers Etc.

For those on our prayer list:

Infinite Lord, and eternal God,
Rouse your church in this land,
Restore your people’s sense of mission,
And revive your work in holiness and strength.
By your Spirit, teach us to give our energy,
Our time, our money, our service and our prayer,
That your kingdom may be advanced;
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
---the Church in Wales---

In Closing:

May the light of God
Illumine the heart of my soul.
May the flame of Christ
Kindle me to love.
May the fire of the Spirit
Free me to live
This day, tonight, and forever.
---Celtic Benediction---

Pax et Bonum,
Loree+

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