Friday October 10 2008 17:54:36 CDT
Welcome Sisters and Brothers and other interested folk to the Chaplain’s page for the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans. I am Sr. Magdalena, Chaplain for the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans. My role is to serve as Chaplain to the Professed in the Order offering prayer, guidance and a listening ear. If you need or want to contact me for any reason, please email at chaplain@franciscans.com
Prayer Closet
Prayer is vital to our spiritual growth and health, however we all pray differently. I believe it is important for one to find her or his natural prayer rhythm and avoid the temptation to turn prayer and meditation into a chore that is not compatible with one’s temperament and desire. Here are some helpful links to explore what prayer and meditation methods suit you. I encourage you to create a unique daily routine of prayer and meditation that works best for you—but develop one!
If you are new to putting together a prayer routine, following is a suggestion for a prayer process. However, please remember that you should adopt a prayer routine that is suitable to you and not resort solely to formulas. These formulas are merely guides to get you started.
5-Step Prayer Process
Prayer is connecting with God. In prayer, you create a sacred space in which you commune with God. Use the following 5-Step Prayer Process to deepen your connection with God, to heighten your awareness of God within you. Experience the power of prayer.
Relax
Set aside time each day for prayer. Begin your quiet time by relaxing your body and opening your mind to an awareness of God. Breathe deeply, knowing that you are in the presence of God and the presence of God is within you. Let go of your concerns and know that all is well.
Concentrate
As you close your eyes and release any thought of the world around you, begin to think about God … about God's presence in your life. Focus your mind on a single thought or idea or scripture that resonates with you. Repeat this idea over and over, either silently or aloud until it becomes your only thought.
Meditate
Allow this focused state of mind to move you into a deeper awareness of God. “Be still … and know that I am God.” Be still as you connect with this divine presence within you.
Realize
From the depth of your being, know that you are one with God. This knowing, this realization as you experience God's holy presence is “silent soul communion.” In this receptive state of mind and heart, listen for the inspiration of God, the answers to your prayers.
Give Thanks
Let gratitude be your heart's joyous response to this experience of communion with God and with God's infinite goodness. Give thanks for blessings to come, ready to receive your good.
Prayer and Temperament — an important handbook for those who are familiar with the Myers-Briggs personality profile and linking to preferred methods of prayer.
Links to DAILY OFFICES
Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion
Mission St. Clare
Universalis
Episcopal Daily Office
Northumbria Community
Columba’s Companions
Meditation and Formation
It is important in our continual journey towards the Light of Christ to be intentional about our spiritual growth as Francsican Christians. Below are some links to help you on that journey.
The Franciscan Experience—Cybercourse, for further formation and study of things Franciscan for the Professed and for those in formation. Lessons from this Cybercourse will be posted monthly beginning in September 2007 to the OEF email list.
Franciscan Education
Sacred Space Meditation site
Meditation Center
Laudato sie, mi Signore
Cum tucte le Tue creature
Praised be my Lord God
With all his creatures
Alabado seas, mi Señor
En todas tus creaturas
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