Prayer Tip: Lifting Up the Lowly

by Ashly Cooley, Executive Assistant to Locations & Care at Resurrection

“How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great.” Bill Bennot

I saw the above quote on the desk of one of our pastors. I think it encapsulates the gospel of Luke. We see Jesus reaching out the broken and to the outcasts. He didn’t come to sit in banquet halls with the elite but to break bread with the poor and hungry.

Jesus calls us to climb over barriers of connection instead of climbing up ladders. We are called, not to exclusively rub elbows with the powerful, but to embrace the weak. As we walk through this season of Lent, we can take time to tune our hearts to God’s will instead of the world’s (or even our own). One of the tools I have found helpful is using “centering prayers.” Below are some instructions on the practice. I hope it helps you draw closer to Christ this week.

Here is how Father Thomas Keating teaches centering prayer:

1. Choose a word.
This word, called a sacred word, should represent your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within you. Choose a word in prayer by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A word of one or two syllables is best, such as God, Jesus, Abba, Father, love, listen, peace, mercy, let go, faith, or trust. Instead of using a word, you may prefer to notice your breath or to glance inwardly toward God’s presence. Whatever you select, don’t change it during the time of prayer because that would be engaging thoughts.

2. Introduce the word.
Sit comfortably and with your eyes closed. Briefly take the time to settle yourself. Then silently, inwardly, introduce the sacred word.

3. Settle deeply into prayer.
Continue to sit quietly, simply resting in God’s presence. As you sit, you may notice sensations in your body, feelings, images, reflections, or other thoughts. As you become aware of these things, gently return to the sacred word.

4. Gently conclude the time of prayer.
At the end of the time of prayer, remain in silence with your eyes closed. Once the prayer is over, gently return to the room by opening your eyes. You may want to end the time of prayer by reciting the Lord’s Prayer aloud. (This is especially common if you are praying in a group setting.)

Dear Jesus,
This week we see war and destruction around us and we know this is not your will. This is not what you intended for your beloved children. The only way we can bring your kingdom on Earth is to stay in close connection with you and hear your guidance and will for our lives. Help us connect to you through prayer. Lead us and guide us forward. Give us feet that want to follow your path, hands that are ready to help and ears that tune out all other sounds and listen for the beautiful sound of your voice as you speak into our souls. Amen

Lenten Guide for Children and Families

Click Here to download this weeks Lenten Guide.

The Lenten Guide is a tool to encourage families to spend time together in prayer, conversations, and discovery. Make time on Sunday afternoons or an evening at the dinner table each week as we approach the hope of Easter. Consider using the following tips/guidelines as you share this time:

• Commit to being in worship together as a family during Lent.
• Read the Scripture aloud (and invite your child to read if they are old enough to do so)
• Take turns leading the prayer time
• Be curious and listen for God through one another!

Music

Click Here or the image below to watch COR Worship Collective’s new song “Redeemer//Revival”