the sensation of life
The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8 Other animals do not need a purpose in life. A contradiction to itself, the human animal cannot do without one. Can we not think of the aim of life and being simply to see? John Gray, Straw … Continue reading Spiritual direction at the end of the world (1)
a review and an invitation Since lockdown, I have been hosting prayer together using Zoom on Mondays for silent prayer and Wednesdays for prayer that I lead in what I hope is an open, meditative, and contemplative atmosphere. My aim is to help people become present to God who is always Present. Breakup In September … Continue reading Praying together
Where is God? "Where is God in all this?" I am running a training day for spiritual directors in Guildford Diocese entitled, “Where is God in all this?”. Here is the blurb: “Where is God in all this?” is a question much-beloved of spiritual directors. However, if God is “in all things” then this question … Continue reading A training day for Guildford spiritual directors
But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no … Continue reading But when he came to himself
What do you long for? What are your deepest wishes? Spirituality is how you live out your deepest longing, day by day, year by year, in and through all the ups and downs of life. Prayer begins with desire … Continue reading
I use the Insight Timer app every day to support my own prayer practice and discipline. I highly recommend it. I have begun putting my own guided prayers on this platform to add a contemplative Christian presence. I'm chuffed to bits to learn that my Prayer for sleep is being featured on Insight Timer today. … Continue reading Audio prayer featured on Insight Timer
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? There is no one but us. There is no one to send, nor a clean hand, nor a pure heart on the face of the earth, nor in the earth, but only us, a generation comforting ourselves with … Continue reading Holy the Firm
This time of plague is a desolation for many: loss of work, loss of income, loss of health, loss of life; traumatic, dangerous front-line work; and decimated support services. Those of us not so endangered still suffer desolation. There is overwhelming uncertainty: where will we be next year, or next week!? How are we to live now? What is God’s call now? … Continue reading
Here is an extended version of last week's Review of the day. When I used it for my own prayer again, I felt rushed. This 'long' version is identical to the 'longer' version but I have inserted some extra time for reflection and journaling between the questions. I hope it is helpful. Examen (long) Examen … Continue reading Audio Prayer: Review of the day++
I have been asked to record an Examen. Here are two! They are the same shape, with one shorter for when you are tired or don’t have much time. You may wish to try the longer one first. Examen (Short) Examen (short)Download Examen (longer) Examen (longer)Download Some lucky people seem to know exactly what they … Continue reading Audio Prayer: Review of the day