joyceskaye.com

I’m sitting here on hold, waiting for a GoDaddy rep to get on the line to troubleshoot a problem with a client’s website. I’m glad to say that instead of bemoaning hearing that it’ll be a 12” wait, I’m taking it as an opportunity to spend time with God – and I sure need to today, as much as possible!

A priority has been to ask for prayer support, particularly from a Unity chaplain. I had signed up for the Unity of Sedona mailing list, and a few days ago received the “Thought for the Week”. I’ve not met the sender, but Marie welcomed replies and offered prayer support.

So with my telephone headset on, listening to Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” (which I love) while on hold, I wrote Marie. I humbly told her of our situation and asked for prayers. Her response within minutes included “As I read your email, I thought here is a couple being the activity of God as strength, courage and knowing what God wants for you; therefore, I am holding you in prayer knowing that perfect plan is already in place for you. I encourage you to continue staying open and receptive to what God has in store for you.” She also asked if it was okay to ask the “Team of Prayer Chaplains to be holding you in prayer?” Such a question!

Being in contact with a person of such heart, faith, and encouragement is surely uplifting. Who knew I could be so pleased with being placed on hold?! Oh, and the website problem was easily remedied.

Thank You, God, for my awareness, willingness, and creativity to see the opportunities throughout the day where I may find time to connect with You. With You, I always find peace.

“Know that we can never be separate. You are hearing my Voice every time you think a happy thought, act with joy, and feel happiness right here and now. Practice these things daily, and your experience of our union will grow.” – The Voice for Love, September 5

Well, I’m not feeling much like a happy camper now. I guess that means that I’m not hearing Spirit’s Voice right now, that I’m disconnected. I am not quite sure how I got here, although news and circumstances today have definitely affected me.

The solution? Get reconnected, of course. I’m going to spend some peaceful time reading spiritual literature and in contemplation. I’ll take a shower, always a calming and enjoyable experience for me. I think I’ll make a gratitude list, even if it’s just a mental one, and give thanks. And, above all, I will pray to Spirit to feel Its Presence, be at peace, and be full of trust and faith.

For no matter what is going on in the outer world, it is always possible to be at peace and Oneness in my inner world. I must reach out to Spirit for that peace beyond understanding.

“The fundamental purpose of prayer, including the prayer of petition, is not to get something from God, or to change God, but to change ourselves. We pray in order to give ourselves to God.” – Fr. Thomas Keating, The Heart of the World, Contemplative Outreach News, Winter 1997

Last night I attended a 11th Step Centering Prayer meeting and was reintroduced to the work of Thomas Keating. Fr. Keating was one of the developers of Centering Prayer, and a central figure in the initiation of the Centering Prayer movement.

Centering Prayer doesn’t depend on theological dogmas, which is great because otherwise I’d not be interested in it personally. It embraces the idea that God is both separate of us and imminent within us, and it is the latter that you focus on during your 20” prayer time.

A benefit of focusing on God within is that it enables God to bring our psychological problems to the surface and release them over time. One surrenders all thoughts and images to rest in a loving and abiding presence of God. A sacred word is used as an anchor of intent to return us to our consent of accepting the Divine Presence when we get stuck in our thoughts. Centering Prayer is about dialogue with God and trusting and resting in His love and presence. This idea alone brings me a sense of comfort and peace.

It seems that I practice something like Centering Prayer and something like Vipassana in my current times of silence, but not quite. This time has been less than satisfying in my yearning to feel more connected to Spirit. I’m excited about learning more about this way of cultivating a deeper relationship with God, and practicing it. And, since, not unexpectedly it appeals to numerous individuals in 12 Step recovery, I’m also excited about connecting with my 12 Step family in a deeper way.

Dear God;

In this day, through every moment, breathing deeply in the Now, I am refreshed and renewed by You. Thank You, Spirit!

“Hold my hand as we walk together in the silence of God’s loving embrace, admiring the scenery, smelling the roses, and enjoying all that life has to offer, knowing that together we are in Heaven.” – The Voice for Love, 08.29.09

Ahhh. The aforementioned quote makes me feel peaceful and fulfilled. I envision that it is Rog and me holding hands, walking together in the silence of God’s loving embrace.

But I think it goes beyond that. I am walking with angels and Holy Spirit and spirit guides, and all those other unseen entities helping me to be me in this crazy world.

I am being offered divine help and guidance to enjoy all of life’s blessings, but I must choose to take that offer, that hand, and walk the path. I am not alone.

I accept.

Thank You, God, for all Your helpers sent my way. Please enable me to feel their presence, hear their message, and rejoice in all of Life’s offerings.