Prayers in Pentecost: Paving that path

You are what you do, 

not what you say you'll do.

                            ― C.G. Jung* [1875-1961]




Dear Spirit of All Good Intention ~
          I am often guilty of following the path of least resistance, also known as the prettier and easier way to procrastinate. Equally as often, I make elaborate plans to do so many good things but then allow myself to be distracted. I jump into being overly busy at superficial pursuits or worse, slacking off altogether. As Paul says in Romans 7:19: For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Well, I'm not out there doing so much evil, I mean, I don't think I'm doing bad things so much as I'm not just doing as many good things as I could. Or, maybe, it's just that my intention is off track. I often race through a day, a week, a month thoughtlessly, without really processing WHY I'm doing things, be they good, not-so-good or just neutral.  
          Please stoke the desire within me to start and end each day with prayer. Help me to walk through each part of the day with You as my reason for being, with You as my reason for doing, with You who inspires all Good Intention. Um, do You mind if I take the walk along that pretty path while I pray?  I'll try and stay intentionally focused...amen.

*Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist and is known as the founder of analytical psychology. He developed the concept of archetypes, extroversion and introversion, and the collective unconscious. His deep and collegial friendship with Sigmund Freud lasted about 6 years until a serious disagreement broke the relationship. Jung believed, in part, that spiritual development, a journey of transformation was essential for human well-being. His study of many religions gave rise to his thought that in what he called individuation, a journey to meet the self also leads to meeting the Divine.

Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers in Pentecost: The Remember Room

          The time is ripe...not all the time, surely, but from time to time...to enter that still room within us all where the past lives on as a part of the present, where the dead are alive again, where we are most alive ourselves to turnings and to where our journeys have brought us. 
         The name of the room is Remember — the room where with patience, with charity, with quietness of heart, we remember consciously to remember the lives we have lived.   ― Frederick Buechner* [1926- ] 

O Holy Comforter ~
          The calendar only highlights the dates that are burned deeply into my heart with a mix of sweetness, sadness, and even a smile. And on each of those days I open the door to my inner room of memories and sit with them as if in a familiar attic. I sift through the virtual folders and boxes that hold remnants of the most meaningful people and times of my life now past. And on each of those days I need Your presence to surround me while I winnow through the highs and the lows of all that has been. Most importantly, please be here while I caress the remembrances of the all-too-brief moments with those now gone who I have loved and who have loved me. Give me Your peace when I go from this room until it is time again to remember. Strengthen my resolve to walk more fully into today, into all that is now, and all that is yet to be. amen.     



*Carl Frederick Buechner is an American theologian, Presbyterian pastor, and author of more than 30 books in several genres such as fiction, autobiography, and sermons, and is well-known among readers of Christian meditation.  He has received the O. Henry Award and been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award among many other honors. 





Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers in Pentecost: From Within to Without

Peace is not something you can force on anything or anyone... much less upon one's own mind. It is like trying to quiet the ocean by pressing upon the waves. Sanity lies in somehow opening to the chaos, allowing anxiety, moving deeply into the tumult, diving into the waves, where underneath, within, peace simply is.   ― Gerald G. May*   [1940-2005]

Lord of the Deepest Peace,
      There are so many days that I see the world around me is in such chaos - whirling in violence, poverty, and pain. I am at such a loss trying to know in which direction to turn, which good cause needs me the most. What can I possibly do to make any kind of useful difference? I am merely the tiniest pebble in the hole of a huge dyke that strains against impending disaster. And then, taking a breath, I remember  - You - and my prayer begins again. Grant me the stillness within that I can turn into focus without. My footing is more certain when the peace of heaven is in my heart and my soul takes its ease in Your comfort. From then I can move forward and the direction of my path becomes clear. Grant me the stillness within that I can turn into service without. amen.  



*Gerald Gordon May, was an American psychiatrist and theologian, and as a conscientious objector, worked as an Air Force psychiatrist in Vietnam. Later he was a staff psychiatrist in a prison mental hospital in Maryland. He later became a senior fellow at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland conducting workshops in contemplative theology and psychology. He wrote several books on the subject of combining spiritual direction with psychological therapy. 


Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers in Pentecost: The only thing I'm always sure of is that I'm not always sure...

The key to wisdom is this - constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth. - Peter Abelard* [1079-1142]

Well, God, 
     Doubt and Questioning has always been part of my journey to You although for my early life I kept it hidden and secret. I was told what to believe by the religious education I had as a child and there was no room for questions. I drifted away, You know, but when I came back, I was still in the really, is that what happened, okay maybe but....mode. I discovered a lot more "religious" types who only wanted to tell me how things are, what the Bible means, and any disagreement isn't tolerated.  Didn't stay with them, either.  After some more serious study I am surprised at how many questions I still have but I'm grateful to have found a community in which to ask, discuss, disagree, and decide at least about a few things. I've learned to listen, to think, to process but mostly, to pray.  I know I don't have many answers, sometimes I don't even know the questions, but one thing I know I'm sure of - Your Presence. Thank You for being here. You don't mind about the questions, right? amen.


*Peter Abelard was a French philosopher and theologian who was no stranger to controversy.  The son of a knight he gave up inheritance and a military career to pursue philosophy and traveled around France studying with the foremost philosophers of his day.  He ultimately moved to Paris and became a well-known teacher of philosophy and theology and was hired as a private tutor for the daughter of the Canon of the Cathedral of Paris. Abelard and the Canon's daughter, Heloise, fell in love, conceived a child and secretly married. The Canon had Abelard castrated and sent to a monastery; Heloise to a convent. Abelard continued to write controversial books and articles and was at various times declared heretical and also had large followings. He and Heloise famously wrote many letters to one another and at his death, she had his body buried near her convent.  She was buried with him when she died.  





Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers of the People: 1 + 2 = ONE, Trinity Sunday, Yr A

for Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2014, Readings: Gen 1:1-2:4a; Ps 8, 2 Cor 13:11-13, Mt 28:16-20

      A central mystery of most Christian denominations, the Trinity may be the most confounding. The Trinity is/are one God in three persons, distinct from one another yet consubstantial with each other, co-equal, and co-eternal. The Fourth Lateran Council [in years 1213-1215] declared that "it is the Father who generates, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds." The Roman Catholic catechism says, "Accordingly, the whole work of creation and grace is seen as a single operation common to all three divine persons, in which each shows forth what is proper to him in the Trinity, so that all things are 'from the Father', 'through the Son' and 'in the Holy Spirit.'" How do you explain it? If all things are possible with God....

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:        ~ Eternal Trinity, In the beginning, You created the heavens and the earth, separated the dry land from the waters, the day from the night, provided seeds and vegetation, living creatures of every kind, and ourselves – male and female, human, in Your Image. 

                     Glory to God: Holy Creator, Redeemer, Comforter,

Response:  We praise You and highly exalt You forever.

~ Eternal Trinity, our God-given intellect, the love of Christ, and the holy courage of the Spirit, give us the ability and the call to serve all the people of God with justice, mercy, and in peace. Help us to strongly encourage the leaders of our nation and in the world, of the necessity to do likewise. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                        Glory to God: Holy Creator, Redeemer, Comforter,

                        We praise You and highly exalt You forever.

~ Eternal Trinity, bestow the grace of hope and healing upon those who are ill in mind, body, or spirit and grant those who give them care continuing strength and perseverance. We pray especially for: add your own petitions 

                        Glory to God: Holy Creator, Redeemer, Comforter,

                        We praise You and highly exalt You forever.

~ Eternal Trinity, we implore You to set the Fire of Pentecost as the essential beacon before those who are lost in the icy winter of grief. Carry those who have left our earthly experience into the warmth of Holy comfort and peace in Your life everlasting.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Glory to God: Holy Creator, Redeemer, Comforter,

                        We praise You and highly exalt You forever.

~ Eternal Trinity, for all those You have called and blessed as guides for our souls in this life, we ask You for their peace of heart, strength of mind, and courage of conviction.  Let us hold fast together and walk through all blessings and trials as we journey toward everlasting life in Your Holy of Holies.  We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                        Glory to God: Holy Creator, Redeemer, Comforter,

                        We praise You and highly exalt You forever.

The Celebrant adds: Eternal Whole, One and All, anoint us with the essence of Your Presence in all that we do, and think, and pray. We beseech You through Your Son Jesus, and the comfort of Your Holy Spirit, who live and reign with You, One God, now and forever.  Amen.

Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers in Pentecost: Jesus, my Druid

for June 9, Feast of St. Columba of Ireland and Scotland

I do not hold to the voice of birds, or any luck on the earthly world, or chance or a son or a woman.  Christ the Son of God is my Druid; Christ the Son of Mary, the great Abbot; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  My estates are with the King of Kings.  -St. Columba* [591-597]

In ainm an Athar agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh,**
        Your servant, Columba, has touched the ancient pagan fragments carried deep within my Celtic bones and has fanned the flames of Pentecost in my soul.  Embolden my fervor that I might live deeply into the love of Christ and give deeply of that love to all around me. Whether in my moments of solitude or in the midst of all of life's delights and disasters, keep me unflagging in my devotion to and actions on behalf of Christ, Druid and Abbot for all whom God has created.  amen. 



*Born in County Donegal of royal blood, Coumba (also called Columcille) became a monk and rose to the rank of priest.  About 561 he became embroiled in a dispute over copyright with St. Finnian which resulted in numerous deaths in a battle. As penance, Columba was ordered out of Ireland for the remainder of his life and told to make as many converts as men killed in the battle.  He went to Scotland where his conversion of the Picts is legendary as is his bringing back to life a man killed by the Loch Ness monster and driving the monster off with the sign of the cross.  He established a monastery on the island of Iona on the west coast of Scotland which still today is a site of pilgrimage and retreat. As one of the three patron saints in Ireland, this Holy Three of Erin are buried together - St. Patrick, St. Columba, and St. Brigid - in County Down.

**Irish Gaelic for "In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit"

Druid:  priest in ancient Celtic religion: a priest of an ancient religion practiced in Britain, Ireland, and Gaul until the people of those areas were converted to Christianity


Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Ascending Prayers: Sea-ing with New Sight

The sea is not less beautiful in our eyes because we know that sometimes ships are wrecked by it.

 ― Simone Weil*  [1909-1943]

God of Living Water and Breathing Earth ~

         When the devastating and tragic hit in a nanosecond, stealing my breath and holding it hostage, and the noise in my head feels as if giant fingernails are scratching an unimaginably huge blackboard, and I can't walk straight for feeling swamped - You are the only One who understands me then.

       And through You, my breath slowly returns, my head clears and quiets, the essence of beauty is re-discovered. With the marks of despair healing, then growth, balance and a measure of contentment again seep into consciousness.  Through You, I find my life, my heart, and my strength. I never outgrow my need for You. Life goes on and I with it because You are with me. Help me to remember You in the days of wonder, deep breathing, and, when sailing through life in rough seas and calm. amen.


*Simone Weil, a French philosopher, political activist, and Christian mystic, was known for her extraordinary compassion for those suffering from the ravages of WWI. She often sacrificed her own food for the sake of others perhaps hastening disease and an early death. She was loved by many and others found her irritating and her extensive writing found little attention until the 1950s and 60s. Over time that too waned yet her influence on scholars continues with well over 2,500 academic works were published about her philosophy from 1995-2012.


Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email.  Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.