Beginning this January as part of my almost daily spiritual practice I read a page in Pocketful of Miracles by Joan Borysenko. A few days ago the daily meditation included the sentence: “Consider every action a prayer.” It was one of those sentences that made a chime of truth ring in my heart.
Over the last several years my understanding of prayer has changed a lot. Prayer is much broader and more varied than words spoken in corporate worship or private prayer. Prayer is more free flowing than extemporaneous words spoken or thought. These actions are prayer, but so are many, many others as long as they are done mindful of God’s presence. If I prepare a meal and do so as if God is with me in the kitchen, that is prayer. If I take a walk along the beach, and do so aware that God is at my side that is prayer. If I sing to my granddaughter, and imagine God’s arms around her along with mine, that is prayer. If I drive to do my errands, and send a thought of blessing to the other drivers, that is prayer.
To do this I try to make my mind run on two tracks at the same time. One track is focusing on the activity and the other is staying aware of God’s presence. When I am able to be aware of God’s presence while I am doing other things God and I are closely connected. We are in communication even though I am not thinking or saying words. And every action becomes prayer.
Allow me to share a poem that I hope you like.
ReplyDeleteSacrament
She prays in the kitchen
with holy water,
flour, sugar, and baking powder.
She delights in a few chips of chocolate.
The ritual music is jazz
because those who are truly inspired can improvise ...
music
dance
cooking
living life
loving
The truly inspired can play.
She celebrates the birth of her son
by preparing to celebrate at dinner,
and as her hands work
her heart whispers over and over
Thank you God, for this child.
Thank you for coming to me in this way.
Thank you for allowing me to also give birth to love.
Thank you God for this special day.
Thank you for the poem. It expresses just what I was saying about prayer and everyday activities.
ReplyDeletePriscilla
I have been reading and enjoying a book and journal called "Praying in Color." The book is by Sybil MacBeth. It is helping me to spend time in prayer as I draw and doodle and think of people and things prayerfully. It is certainly an action (drawing) that is a prayer. Maybe something for people to check into.
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