Message of 7-27-07
Published: Fri, 07/27/07
MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Spiritual reading is a regular, essential part of the life of prayer, and particularly is it the support of adoring prayer. It is important to increase our sense of God's richness and wonder by reading what his great lovers have said about him.
- Evelyn Underhill
(What are you reading these days? If you're looking for a few recommended works, see http://shalomplace.com/books)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Mt 13:18-23
R.
(John 6:68c) Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
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Praying the Daily Gospels
- by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Matthew 13: 18-23 (A parable explained)
Jesus taught his disciples many things that he did not explain to the crowds. He wanted to be certain that his disciples understood his words because he knew that they would one day need to expound on them. In today’s reading he explains the meaning of the parable of the sower, leaving its symbolism intact while developing its meaning.
• What kinds of
seeds have you sowed at work recently? Choose a few people with whom
you work and examine how you have related to them during the past two
days. How often were you critical of them, at least silently?
Resolve to be more affirming.
• What is growing in the good soil of your heart? In the briers? In the rocky ground? Along the path?
• What is growing in the good soil of your heart? In the briers? In the rocky ground? Along the path?
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- Anyone want a gmail address?
I have numerous invitations I can send out. This would give you a permanent lifetime POP email and webmail address.
See http://mail.google.com/mail/help/about.html for more info, and, if interested, send me an email with your request and I'll invite you. Google will send instructions on what to do after that.
- mailto:phil@shalomplace.com
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ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE
- by Jean Pierre de Caussade, S.J.
The designs of God, the good pleasure of God, the will of God, the operation
of God and the gift of His grace are all one and the same thing in the
spiritual life. It is God working in the soul to make it like unto Himself.
Perfection is neither more nor less than the faithful co-operation of the
soul with this work of God, and is begun, grows, and is consummated in the
soul unperceived and in secret.
-- Book 1, Chapter 1, Section 4
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Contemplative Method)
- adapted by Philip St. Romain from a variety of sources -
A. Select a short passage that you will use for prayer.
B. Settle in by sitting straight (on tailbone, spine erect). Notice sensations in your body, sounds around you, the manner of your breathing. Call to mind that God is present in and amidst all of this.
C. Read the passage aloud slowly, prayerfully. Let the words make their own impact, and voice whatever they awaken in your mind and heart to God.
- proceed to Step E if you already feel yourself coming to contemplative silence -
D. Read the passage a second time silently. Again, voice whatever is awakened to God, or acknowledge before God in your heart. Let this be a spontaneous conversation which includes your questions, intellectual reflections, petitions, resolutions, and so forth.
E. Read the passage a third time. If there is a word or phrase that sums up this passage, or that speaks to you in a special way, repeat it in your mind prayerfully. Let it express your willingness to allow God to be God in your life.
F. Allow yourself to simply be present to God in loving silence, aware of God's unfailing Presence to you in love. When distractions come which capture your attention, re-introduce the sacred word from Step E. Continue with this resting until your prayer time is over.
G. Close your prayer time with a sincere vocal recitation of the Lord's prayer, putting your whole being into the words.
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