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Five Finger prayer practice
See http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/learnpray.aspx for a suggested way to pray that works anyplace. It uses your fingers rather like the idea of a rosary bead system. There is quite a bit of theological reflection behind this system!
You begin with your thumb and pray for the strengths in your life, then with the index finger you pray for the things you point to that you are thankful for, with the middle finger you pray for those with power in the world (governments, etc), and the ring finger reminds you to pray for the weakest things in the world (poor, homeless, sick, ill, bereaved), and lastly with the little finger your pray for yourself.
You can use this prayer method anyplace! It is easy to learn and you can create a discipline no matter how busy your day!
May-June: The First Book of Common Prayer (via Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music)
It is amazing to compare the 1549 version with the current version of the BCP. Some of the prayers we still use today were the same then, such as “Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.” (BCP 1979 p 355; BCP 1559 p. 248).
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Family Where You Find Love
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Many times a family member becomes distant to their birth family through no action on their own. Grudges, prejudices, and other discordant views often make the family distant. Once the parents die, they discord can become more obvious. In my case, it seems that my siblings went on having a relationship with me because I had a relationship with the same parents they have a relationship with! This is not true in the case of all my siblings as my youngest brother and I remain in close contact through both our family connection and love. I do not stop loving my other siblings, only honor their wish for distance and non-communication modes of being. Since we do not live near each other, it takes more effort to HAVE a relationship. It is what it is; and I can’t pretend otherwise. I at last have a sense of peace with my family, where I find and give love!
Relationships are like two way streets and one person cannot make a relationship. Still I have found myself in some profound love relationships with some good friends, and above all my husband whom I adore and he also adores me! What a precious gift this is!
We have celebrated 30 years together recently as a married couple and find such joy in doing and being present for each other. That is the experience of love, no matter what we are present to each other.
Life takes its sudden (and not so sudden) twists and turns, but I for one am thankful for my own life and the lives of those who love me!
Memorial Day 2011
Today we again celebrated the contributions from all the veterans but especially the fallen heroes who work so dedicated and diligently to protect us and keep our USof A free. There are not enough words to say thank you. Today I heard a talk as part of the Grand Haven, Michigan parade and waterfront celebration from SSG Joseph Schulte, ARNG (Army National Guard) who served twice in Iraq. He expressed how hard it is for him when people come up to him to say “thank you” when he is dressed in uniform. This is the first time I thought of it from the perspective of one soldier. In his perspective he is doing his job, his calling. He forgets that in his uniform he represents all the men and women of the armed forces. It was such a great speech and from the heart. The work of our soldiers is never done, whether they serve in peacetime stateside or in a world war or crisis.
I also met an amazing man from World War II who served in 8 countries during his tour of duty. He came to the USA from the Netherlands when he was two years old. Still dressed in his uniform from World War II (and fitting in it too) he was proud to have served and loved being asked about his service! Keep asking, keep telling the stories!
Thank you every military member! Whatever your job, it is well worth doing!
Bertha and Ethelbert, Queen and King of Kent 616
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This commemoration comes from the Holy Women, Holy Men publication of the Anglican Church. Click here to view the reading commemorating these people.
Ethelbert was not a Christian himself but he allowed his Queen Bertha to practice her Christianity. Then in 597, still not convinced, he heard the words of Augustine (then Archbishop of Canterbury):
“The words and promises you bring are fair enough, but because they are new to us and doubtful, I cannot accept them and forsake those beliefs which I and the whole English race have held so long. But as you have come on a long pilgrimage and are anxious, I perceive, to share with us things which you believe are true and good, we do not wish to do you harm; on the contrary, we receive you hospitably and provide what is necessary for your support; nor do we forbid you to win all you can to your faith and religion by your preaching.” – Augustine
The Celts in Britain has been Christian since the 3rd century but often worshipped secretly. Ethelbert was baptized the Pentecost following his encounter with Augustine and became the first Christian king of England.
Our heritage follows a path from events such as this which could not have been predicted. His willingness and promise to Bertha’s father to allow her to worship in her tradition was the open door that enabled Ethelbert to see another way.
Such is often true in our encounters in life where standing for what we believe and have passion for often leads to further advancements and developments. We do not know what actions or stands we take may influence another in an unforeseen way.
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