Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Recognized for Building Community
"On the outskirts of town is a faith community that is leading the way in promoting land conservation and environmental justice. The Holy Wisdom Monastery, led by the Benedictine Women of Madison, is nestled among prairie land and rolling hills overlooking Lake Mendota just north of Madison. It is an ecumenical society of sisters (they were formerly Roman Catholic until they changed the rules of monastic living by opening their doors to sisters of other denominations) who provide spiritual guidance, retreats and prayer opportunities for anyone of any faith...."
Monday, December 15, 2008
Perspective on Stability
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Remember mercy
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Centering Prayer
Imagine two friends sitting in silence, content to simply be with one another. They have a sense of calm and comfort in the ease of their relationship. Centering prayer offers this same feeling.
Part of an ancient contemplative tradition, centering prayer allows individuals to turn within and rest in God’s presence. The practice can be particularly rewarding for individuals caught up in the demanding details of daily life or caring for others. In as few as five minutes, you can connect with the inner peace of God and experience renewal.
Whether practiced individually or within a group, the rhythm of centering prayer can contribute to both mental and physical wellness.
• Find a quiet place. Assume a comfortable sitting position, keeping your back straight and feet on the ground. You may find it helpful to set a timer to mark the prayer period.
• Relax and quiet both your body and your mind. Follow your breathing. Close your eyes and gently become aware of your deepest center.
• Choose a single, sacred word of one or two syllables. The word may be a name you call God (Lord, Jesus, Abba, Father, Mother) or a word that speaks to your understanding of God (Love, Faith, Peace, Trust).
• Say your word inwardly and focus on God’s presence in you. When you become aware of competing thoughts, feelings or sensations, gently return to your sacred word.
• At the end of your prayer period, remain in silence for a few minutes allowing a favorite saying or prayer to speak itself to you. Slowly open your eyes.
Centering prayer cultivates a capacity to be cared for and accept help more readily from others, as it attunes practitioners to Christ’s presence elsewhere in their lives. Over time, centering prayer brings a relationship with God from the awkward stage of acquaintance to a level of friendship where being in each other’s company, even in silence, is deeply satisfying.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Perspective on Obedience
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sister Lynne on Unity.fm
Sister Lynne will share her revolutionary journey from Presbyterian minister to Benedictine Sister, offering everyday tools for your spiritual journey.
Listen for…
• Introduction into Benedictine prayer practices
• A guide to Lectio Divina, prayer of the hours
• Spiritual guidance from the Rule of Benedict
How to listen to Sister Lynne live on Unity.fm:
Visit the Unity.fm homepage and the streaming content should begin to play. If it does not, you may need to install a newer version of Windows Media Player. Unity.fm is optimized for Windows Media Player versions 7, 8 or 9. Mac Users will need to download Windows Media Player 9, and can do so by clicking here.
Meet Sister Lynne
Sister Lynne Smith was called to spiritual life as a young girl, telling her mother that she wanted to become a nun when she grew up. While her mother told her that only Catholic women could become nuns, Sister Lynne continued to feel a call to give her life in service to God and others. After over 15 years as a Presbyterian minister, she found her heart’s home in the monastic community Benedictine Women of Madison. In 2000, she made her profession to the community as the first Protestant member.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Prayerful Listening
Lectio divina differs from traditional Bible study, spiritual reading or prayer because it requires a more concentrated interplay between listening, reflection and application of a specific passage.
When done on an individual basis, the process is organic. An individual follows the ebb and flow of their conversation with God, traversing through spoken word, gentle repetition, reflective prayer and rest. Throughout the process, the individual may feel challenged as God’s word touches one deeply.
When done as a group, the process becomes more structured into phases:
• During the first reading, the passage may be read aloud twice while each person gently listens for the word or phrase that speaks to them and touches their heart. After a period of silence, all share the word or phrase that has touched his or her heart.
• During the second reading (of the same scripture), an individual meditates on how the chosen word(s) touch their life. After personal reflection, individuals share how they have heard or perceived God reaching out to them.
• The third reading is followed by prayer about how the individual is being called to act in their daily life. The individual may then spend time in contemplation with God before praying for the person next to them.
Lectio divina seeks to teach more than the skill of listening. It teaches about the person within and allows individuals to unite with God. By making time in daily life for lectio divina, individuals can connect with their inner being, nurture a bond with God and create a strong relationship with Christ, ultimately resulting in a sense of clarity and understanding for their place in the world.