— Fr. David’s Blog of 6/26/2020 — What demands are you coping with today? Here are five opportunities to live into a Rhythm of Prayer.
Since the beginning of our being apart in March, all of us have had to lean into a new normal: online worship, working from home, not being able to go out to see friends, having to wear a face mask, and online meetings. I encourage you to take some time this week to take a piece of paper, place your name in the center of the page and reflect on what demands require your attention at home, at work, at church, and at social events. Then circle the events that require more of your energy than others. This exercise is not meant to make you feel bad but rather to help you understand the reasons why you might be feeling tired or stressed during this long time of being isolated from one another.
I know that I demand a great deal from myself and these feelings often lead me to feel tired. This past week I met with my spiritual director and afterwards reflected on what I can do to manage the many demands on my time. How might I be more attentive to what is happening at the moment instead of worrying about tomorrow.
Rhythm of Prayer
I don’t know if you have felt this way during the last several months, but I wanted to offer some ideas as how to manage these difficult times. As you know, I try to schedule three- or four-day silent retreats in Advent and Lent at a monastery. The monasteries where I stay stress the importance for visitors to come and rest and to join in the rhythm of the community. This rhythm includes joining the community in prayer (morning, noon, evening and compline), but with the option that if a person chooses to rest that is OK as well.
Obviously we do not live in a monastery and many of us are not able to get away for a period of silence. Even so, I invite you to try living into your own rhythm of prayer.
Join Father David for Morning and/or Evening Prayer on Facebook
I have been offering morning and evening prayer on Facebook for the last several months. Recently I have cut back on the days that this prayer is offered but I miss the routine of daily prayer, too. So, beginning Monday, July 6, the following schedule will replace what has been offered the last month.
Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday: morning prayer on Facebook at 8:00 a.m. (please note the time change)
Monday-Wednesday-Friday: evening prayer on Facebook at 5:00 p.m.
Join Father David for One-on-One Conversation
The demand on our time seldom allows us time to reflect on the movement of God in our day-to-day lives. I invite you to contact me to set up a confidential time with me via Zoom video conference. I am available to listen and to pray so that together we might feel the movement of God in our lives.
Join us for Virtual Coffee Hour Starting in August
In the last several months we have also lamented our inability to be with one another on Sunday mornings. Seeing each other via Zoom has become our new normal for connecting. A couple of months ago we tried our first virtual coffee hour, and these will return in August. Watch for details!
Join Rabbi Douglas Krantz and Father David on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. for Bible Study
Beginning in August, Rabbi Douglas and I will host an online Bible study on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. The first book we will study is the prophet Micah. Please contact me for details.
These are just a few ways to help each one of us cope with the many demands and pressures we feel at this time. I hope you will join me as you are able.
Peace,
Fr. David
Click here to learn about our video worship services.
Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
-Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765
