MEDITATION:
Written by Eugene H. Peterson (1932-2018), an American Presbyterian minister, scholar, theologian, author, and poet. He is known for his translation of the Bible called “The Message.” This is an excerpt from his book “Earth and Altar.”
We can no more have a private prayer than we can have a private language. A private language is impossible. Every word spoken carries with it a long history of development in complex communities of experience. All speech is relational, making a community of speakers and listeners. So too is prayer. Prayer is language used in the vast contextual awareness that God speaks and listens. We are involved, whether we will it or not, in a community of the Word—spoken or read, understood and obeyed (or misunderstood and disobeyed). We can do this in solitude, but we cannot do it in private. It involves an Other and others. The self is only itself, healthy and whole, when it is in relationship, and that relationship is always dual, with God and with other human beings. Relationship implies mutuality, give and take, listening and responding.
PRAYER:
Written by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), a Spanish Carmelite nun, reformer, theologian and author.
Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing frighten you.
All things are changing.
God alone is changeless.
Patience attains the good.
God alone fills all our needs.
Pathways Press.com 