Light a candle, take some deep breaths, or say a prayer to draw your attention to God’s presence.
This week we invite you to take 30 minutes to listen to “What is Prayer and How to Begin” – a down to earth, quirky, humble reflection on prayer by Roberta Bondi, Professor Emeritus of Church History at Emory University in Atlanta Georgia. Honestly, this might be the wisest and most accessible talks on prayer I (Kim) have ever heard and this fits well with our summer series.
You can access this podcast through the link above, or find it wherever you get your podcasts.
As an accompaniment to Bondi’s talk, you are invited to spend some time with Psalm 131, particularly the paraphrase found in The Message:
Psalm 131
1 God, I’m not trying to rule the roost,
I don’t want to be king of the mountain.
I haven’t meddled where I have no business
or fantasized grandiose plans.
2 I’ve kept my feet on the ground,
I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.
Like a baby content in its mother’s arms,
my soul is a baby content.
3 Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope.
Hope now; hope always!
As you envision a baby, quiet, content and safe in its parent’s embrace – can you sense an invitation to rest in God that way? Does this possibility fill you with delight, dread or indifference?
Can you hear any connection between this psalm and Roberta Bondi’s encouragement just to invite God to be with you for a set amount of time while you do something that is enjoyable?
Is there anything you want to put into practice after listening to the talk, or reading this psalm?
Conclude this time of prayer, pondering and reflection in a way which feels meaningful to you.
Go in peace, to pay attention. May it be so.
