Author: Jonny N
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Centering: Palms Up, Palms Down
Author and teacher Richard Foster describes a prayer practice sometimes known as ‘Palms up, palms down’, it has also been known by the The Quakers as Centering Down.This version of the prayer uses gestures in order for us to “embody the prayer”: First: identifying and releasing our burdens (palms down) Second: receiving God‘s grace (palms…
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Breath Prayer
Breath prayer, is a wonderfully simple form of prayer. It is sometimes known as a ‘prayer of the heart’. For me it its a physical prayer — a prayer of the body — with an emphasis more on posture and inner orientation . In this prayer we receive each breath as a gift — a…
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Welcoming Prayer
Background & Introduction Welcoming prayer addresses three core human needs: affection and love, security and wellbeing, a sense of control and agency. In particular circumstances or stressful situations we can find ourselves over attached to these core needs. In the process we can loose sight of the bigger picture, forget our awareness of God, freedom…
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Poised for action
This photo by Leonardo Battista of Peregrine hunting Starlings at roost is one of the most inspiring and provocative images I’ve seen this year. Leonardo’s camera has captured a still moment with stark contrasts. We see the starlings dart around — twisting and turning — their separate forms barely discernible. In contrast the Peregrine is…
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Journaling & self-reflection
Spending time in self reflection can play a significant role in your spiritual journey. It can also be helpful before meeting for spiritual direction. A regular practice of journaling can provide a space for you to record your spiritual journey — recording your prayers, requests, interior movements and insights Self-reflection can also help when deciding what to…
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Learning not to be quick to uproot
To the wild flowers To the small patch of wild flowers I ripped up thinking you were weeds: I’m sorry. I had not seen your bloom Only leaves. I rushed to judge you And your value. Return to this soil. I welcome your seeds. This poem was written as I looked out on my…
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Responding to the divine Lover
“Prayer has far more to do with what God wants to do in us than with our trying to “reach” or “realise”, still less “entertain”, God in prayer… What we think of as our search for God is in reality, a response to the divine Lover drawing us to himself. There is never a moment…
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Unresolved and incomplete
Many circumstances in life put us in close contact with things that are unresolved and incomplete. It could be a work task, a move from one place to another, a relational disagreement. These things are part of the fabric of our lives, and often uncomfortable realities we face. Not only do we live with unresolved…
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Spiritual direction is it like counselling or coaching?
Many people when first hearing about spiritual direction wonder how it compares to counselling/therapy and coaching. Each of these practices are so valuable and there are some similarities between them. You will notice that all three place an emphasis on conversation and intentional listening. In each case, the process is assisted by the host asking you…
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Listening to love
I keep returning to this quote from Henri Nouwen: Many voices ask for our attention. There is a voice that says, “Prove that you are a good person.” Another voice says, “You’d better be ashamed of yourself.” There also is a voice that says, “Nobody really cares about you,” and one that says, “Be sure…