I just started teaching/facilitating a class at Unity Church of Peoria, IL called "Prayers and Meditations of the World's Religons." The aim of the course is to introduce church-goers to some of the more prominent and representative contemplative expressions of faith in order to facilitate deeper interreligious understanding and perhaps transform ourseves and our own prayer practices.
Last night the first class met and, while we didn't actually read or pray any prayers yet, it was a wonderful and lively discussion of what prayer and meditation is, the diversity of prayer and contemplation in the various world religions, what mysticism is and its central role in the forming and development of religious traditions, the strengths and weaknesses of language and conceptions, etc.
Anyway, though I've facilitated the class before at other Unity churches, I'm very excited about how this particular incarnation has begun and look forward to the promising fruitful conversation that will come about.
If you happen to be in the central Illinois area come and join us for some stimulating and intriguing discussion and reading of the prayers and meditations of the world's religions. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm at the Unity Church of Peoria.
Peace.
Showing posts with label meditation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meditation. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Daily Word (9.28.09)
Forgive:
"I draw on God's love within to forgive." (DW, 9.28.09)
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Lk 6:37)
Mei Meditatio:
Connecting to God's presence through prayer, I share in the all-inclusive and all-powerful Love of God through Christ. Participating in this Love, I'm able to forgive myself and others through realizing that all is connected and interdependent through Christ and thus all is well. Releasing past, old thoughts, words, and actions I move into new, fresh experiences that transform my life.
In order to be forgiven I must first forgive, which starts within myself.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I draw on God's love within to forgive." (DW, 9.28.09)
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Lk 6:37)
Mei Meditatio:
Connecting to God's presence through prayer, I share in the all-inclusive and all-powerful Love of God through Christ. Participating in this Love, I'm able to forgive myself and others through realizing that all is connected and interdependent through Christ and thus all is well. Releasing past, old thoughts, words, and actions I move into new, fresh experiences that transform my life.
In order to be forgiven I must first forgive, which starts within myself.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New Book on Buddhist-Christian Dialogue and Science
B. Allan Wallace has written a new book called Mind in the Balance: Meditation in Science, Buddhism and Christianity. Though I haven't had a chance to purchase and read it yet, it looks to be a wonderful scholarly analysis of the inquiry into human consciousness through the meditative techniques of Buddhism and Christianity with the inclusion of modern scientific research into these practices."By establishing a dialogue in which the meditative practices of Buddhism and Christianity speak to the theories of modern philosophy and science, B. Alan Wallace reveals the theoretical similarities underlying these disparate disciplines and their unified approach to making sense of the objective world." (Center for Progressive Christianity)
Read the full review of Wallace's book at the Center for Progressive Christianity.
Daily Word (9.24.09)
Hope:
"The light and love of God within me shine brightly." (DW, 9.24.09)
"Your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will have confidence, because there is hope." (Job 11:17-18)
Mei Meditatio:
Hope is not a vain wishing that something will be the case, bereft of any actuality or reality extant in the attitude. Rather, hope is a confident expectation that something will be the case, teeming with a faithful attitude that the essential good in what is hoped for will assuredly come about, or is already always present but simply not yet recognized.
The light and love of God in Christ shine in me and through me now, making the darkness of night into the dawn of morning. New mornings are always occurring in my life, and I have the confidence to recognize and accept these rebirths in the trusting hope of greater glory to God and God's creation.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"The light and love of God within me shine brightly." (DW, 9.24.09)
"Your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will have confidence, because there is hope." (Job 11:17-18)
Mei Meditatio:
Hope is not a vain wishing that something will be the case, bereft of any actuality or reality extant in the attitude. Rather, hope is a confident expectation that something will be the case, teeming with a faithful attitude that the essential good in what is hoped for will assuredly come about, or is already always present but simply not yet recognized.
The light and love of God in Christ shine in me and through me now, making the darkness of night into the dawn of morning. New mornings are always occurring in my life, and I have the confidence to recognize and accept these rebirths in the trusting hope of greater glory to God and God's creation.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Daily Word (9.23.09)
Faith:
"My faith is strong. I am confident." (DW, 9.23.09)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2Tim. 4:7)
Mei Meditatio:
With a confident and steadfast faith seeking ever-growing understanding, I press on toward further revelation of God's Truth in Christ in my life.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"My faith is strong. I am confident." (DW, 9.23.09)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2Tim. 4:7)
Mei Meditatio:
With a confident and steadfast faith seeking ever-growing understanding, I press on toward further revelation of God's Truth in Christ in my life.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Daily Word (9.22.09)
A Shift:
"God guides me through seasons of change in my life." (DW, 9.22.09)
"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'" (Psalm 31:14)
Mei Meditatio:
With an understanding faith seeking ever more expansion of wisdom, I trustingly accept God's presence in me through Christ Jesus. I wholeheartedly make room for the change and transformation that God's love has in store for my life.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"God guides me through seasons of change in my life." (DW, 9.22.09)
"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'" (Psalm 31:14)
Mei Meditatio:
With an understanding faith seeking ever more expansion of wisdom, I trustingly accept God's presence in me through Christ Jesus. I wholeheartedly make room for the change and transformation that God's love has in store for my life.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Daily Word (9.21.09)
World Peace:
"United in divine love, we walk a path of peace." (DW, 9.21.09)
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (Jn. 21:21)
Mei Meditatio:
Love is that Reality which lies at the center of all being. As a dynamic force that's activity is unification and harmonization, Love brings people, ideas, emotions, etc. together working toward greater experience and expression of lovingkindness. As the great apostle Paul has said, love is peaceful, patient, kind, unboastful, and not rude. This suggests that participating in the Reality of Love through the power and presence of Christ Jesus is experience of God, which allows for the practical expression of this Love through compassionate and wise service for the good of all.
I am part and parcel of the Love of God in Christ. I demonstrate Christ's Love through tapping into the presence of Love in myself and then letting this peace and equality flow outward into my relationships and work in society.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"United in divine love, we walk a path of peace." (DW, 9.21.09)
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (Jn. 21:21)
Mei Meditatio:
Love is that Reality which lies at the center of all being. As a dynamic force that's activity is unification and harmonization, Love brings people, ideas, emotions, etc. together working toward greater experience and expression of lovingkindness. As the great apostle Paul has said, love is peaceful, patient, kind, unboastful, and not rude. This suggests that participating in the Reality of Love through the power and presence of Christ Jesus is experience of God, which allows for the practical expression of this Love through compassionate and wise service for the good of all.
I am part and parcel of the Love of God in Christ. I demonstrate Christ's Love through tapping into the presence of Love in myself and then letting this peace and equality flow outward into my relationships and work in society.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Daily Word (9.17.09)
Gifts:
"I am richly blessed with the gifts of Spirit." (DW, 9.17.09)
"Now there are varieties of gifts . . . but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone." (1Cor. 12:4, 6)
Mei Meditatio:
In my individuality I manifest certain spiritual gifts through my creativity and intuition. Through service to others in the form of teaching and social justic advocacy, and the joyful resonance of musical expression, my time and talent bless and transform relationships and society.
Though each of us possesses and expresses different spiritual gifts it's the same God who activates this bounty. And though there are a variety of spiritual and religious traditions in the world each is an articulation of the same spiritual Ultimate and Absolute that underpins all reality -- that from which all came and that to which all will return in dynamic Oneness.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I am richly blessed with the gifts of Spirit." (DW, 9.17.09)
"Now there are varieties of gifts . . . but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone." (1Cor. 12:4, 6)
Mei Meditatio:
In my individuality I manifest certain spiritual gifts through my creativity and intuition. Through service to others in the form of teaching and social justic advocacy, and the joyful resonance of musical expression, my time and talent bless and transform relationships and society.
Though each of us possesses and expresses different spiritual gifts it's the same God who activates this bounty. And though there are a variety of spiritual and religious traditions in the world each is an articulation of the same spiritual Ultimate and Absolute that underpins all reality -- that from which all came and that to which all will return in dynamic Oneness.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Daily Word (9.16.09)
Rest:
"Aware of the Christ within, I am at peace." (DW, 9.16.09)
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt. 11:29)
Mei Meditatio:
The living, risen Christ is present in me, working towards the greater goodness and prosperity of myself and those around me. When I bring my awareness to this presence of divine life and love I awaken to contentment and peace of mind, body, and spirit.
In Christ and Christ in me brings about learning, humility, and respite. Life in Christ is Shabbat (rest).
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Aware of the Christ within, I am at peace." (DW, 9.16.09)
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt. 11:29)
Mei Meditatio:
The living, risen Christ is present in me, working towards the greater goodness and prosperity of myself and those around me. When I bring my awareness to this presence of divine life and love I awaken to contentment and peace of mind, body, and spirit.
In Christ and Christ in me brings about learning, humility, and respite. Life in Christ is Shabbat (rest).
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Daily Word (9.15.09)
Healing:
"I am a whole and holy being, an expression of divine perfection." (DW, 9.15.09)
"Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ." (Acts 4:10)
Mei Meditatio:
For healing to begin in mind and body we must take the step - the risk - to have faith in God's goodness and perfection and our existence as children of God. As God's children, we inherit goodness, light, and wholeness.
Let us affirm our spiritual inheritance of love and justice in Christ Jesus through prayer, meditation, and social action.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I am a whole and holy being, an expression of divine perfection." (DW, 9.15.09)
"Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ." (Acts 4:10)
Mei Meditatio:
For healing to begin in mind and body we must take the step - the risk - to have faith in God's goodness and perfection and our existence as children of God. As God's children, we inherit goodness, light, and wholeness.
Let us affirm our spiritual inheritance of love and justice in Christ Jesus through prayer, meditation, and social action.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Daily Word (9.14.09)
Back to School:
"I embrace new opportunities to learn and grow." (DW, 9.14.09)
"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." (1Tim. 2:2)
Mei Meditatio:
Growth and transformation come largely through cultivating the attitude of openness to newness of experience. In order to more fully accept new opportunities it is first crucial to be able to let go of past, old, and un-useful memories and ideas. These can often obscure or get in the way of the growth that will help us lead more contented and health-ful lives in and through the grace of God in Christ.
I am receptive to the ever-changing process of growth in my life. I have a grateful attitude towards accepting new experiences and recognize opportunities to become a better person through the promotion of love, equality, and justice in relationships.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I embrace new opportunities to learn and grow." (DW, 9.14.09)
"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." (1Tim. 2:2)
Mei Meditatio:
Growth and transformation come largely through cultivating the attitude of openness to newness of experience. In order to more fully accept new opportunities it is first crucial to be able to let go of past, old, and un-useful memories and ideas. These can often obscure or get in the way of the growth that will help us lead more contented and health-ful lives in and through the grace of God in Christ.
I am receptive to the ever-changing process of growth in my life. I have a grateful attitude towards accepting new experiences and recognize opportunities to become a better person through the promotion of love, equality, and justice in relationships.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Daily Word (9.13.09)
Appreciation:
"I give thanks for the presence of unconditional love." (DW, 9.13.09)
"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are." (1Jn. 3:1)
Mei Meditatio:
Appreciation is the act of genuinely holding someone or something in an esteem that transcends mere tolerance and moves into real gratefulness. To appreciate is to be grateful for the presence of that person, place, thing, or idea -- and that gratitude is immensely transformative.
I am appreciative of God's presence in Christ of unconditional love, the love that surpasses all rational understanding and exists in the substantial abundance of divine Mystery. I give thanks for the love dynamically present in the eternal relationship of the Father, Son, and Spirit. This infinite Love is immanent in my life and merits great rejoicing.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I give thanks for the presence of unconditional love." (DW, 9.13.09)
"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are." (1Jn. 3:1)
Mei Meditatio:
Appreciation is the act of genuinely holding someone or something in an esteem that transcends mere tolerance and moves into real gratefulness. To appreciate is to be grateful for the presence of that person, place, thing, or idea -- and that gratitude is immensely transformative.
I am appreciative of God's presence in Christ of unconditional love, the love that surpasses all rational understanding and exists in the substantial abundance of divine Mystery. I give thanks for the love dynamically present in the eternal relationship of the Father, Son, and Spirit. This infinite Love is immanent in my life and merits great rejoicing.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Daily Word (9.11.09)
Comfort:
"Divine love is my comfort in an ever-changing world." (DW, 9.11.09)
"Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:76)
Mei Meditatio:
Comfort comes from within, for God in Christ is found within myself, my own awareness. God meets me in my consciousness and lifts me up into glory.
Through service and steadfast love in Christ I demonstrate God's care and compassion in my daily living.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Divine love is my comfort in an ever-changing world." (DW, 9.11.09)
"Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:76)
Mei Meditatio:
Comfort comes from within, for God in Christ is found within myself, my own awareness. God meets me in my consciousness and lifts me up into glory.
Through service and steadfast love in Christ I demonstrate God's care and compassion in my daily living.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Daily Word (9.10.09)
World Day of Prayer:
"Reach in. Reach out. We can change the world." (DW, 9.10.09)
"They are to do good, be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share...so that they may take hold of life that really is life." (1Tim 6:18,19)
Mei Meditatio:
Today is Unity's World Day of Prayer, which is all about reaching inside of oneself through prayer and contemplation, connecting to the power and presence of God, and then reach out to others in one's own community and local society to enact the love, equality, and justice of Christ in everyday affairs. Through this practical activity we as loving, caring, compassionate communities can engender transformation in the world for the better.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Reach in. Reach out. We can change the world." (DW, 9.10.09)
"They are to do good, be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share...so that they may take hold of life that really is life." (1Tim 6:18,19)
Mei Meditatio:
Today is Unity's World Day of Prayer, which is all about reaching inside of oneself through prayer and contemplation, connecting to the power and presence of God, and then reach out to others in one's own community and local society to enact the love, equality, and justice of Christ in everyday affairs. Through this practical activity we as loving, caring, compassionate communities can engender transformation in the world for the better.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Daily Word (9.9.09)
Harmony:
"I am in harmony with God's beautiful world." (DW, 9.9.09)
"The flowers appear on earth; the time of singing has come." (SofSol. 2:12)
Mei Meditatio:
Harmony requires a kind of intentional acquiescence and conscious incorporation of the changing outside world and dealing with its fluctuation with a centeredness in God's being in the Christ Spirit. Coming into a mental and attitudinal harmony with the rest of creation, noticing and appreciating the beauty, goodness, and love throughout it, is crucial to a sustained contentment in navigating through life.
Through Christ's guidance in love and justice I center myself in God.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I am in harmony with God's beautiful world." (DW, 9.9.09)
"The flowers appear on earth; the time of singing has come." (SofSol. 2:12)
Mei Meditatio:
Harmony requires a kind of intentional acquiescence and conscious incorporation of the changing outside world and dealing with its fluctuation with a centeredness in God's being in the Christ Spirit. Coming into a mental and attitudinal harmony with the rest of creation, noticing and appreciating the beauty, goodness, and love throughout it, is crucial to a sustained contentment in navigating through life.
Through Christ's guidance in love and justice I center myself in God.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Daily Word (9.8.09)
Something New:
"I experience life in a new way." (DW, 9.8.09)
"See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare." (Is. 42:9)
Mei Meditatio:
Newness, regeneration, and resurrection are occurring all the time; they are not one time events. Every occasion that my awareness is expanded, deepened, propelled forward, or taken to new heights (or any other spatial metaphor depicting a new, positive consciousness) I experience renewal.
As I focus on God and God's love, mercy, and justice I am reborn, living a new being in Christ.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare." (Is. 42:9)
Mei Meditatio:
Newness, regeneration, and resurrection are occurring all the time; they are not one time events. Every occasion that my awareness is expanded, deepened, propelled forward, or taken to new heights (or any other spatial metaphor depicting a new, positive consciousness) I experience renewal.
As I focus on God and God's love, mercy, and justice I am reborn, living a new being in Christ.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Daily Word (9.5.09)
Quiet Time:
"I take time to replenish my mind, body, and spirit." (DW, 9.5.09)
"In all your ways acknowledge him . . . It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body." (Prov. 3:6,8)
Mei Meditatio:
Revivifying one's being in every aspect is necessary for continual energy and growth. This replenishment comes through connecting to God in Christ via living a life of prayer with special times set aside for contemplative practices. These prayerful moments of contemplation keep us in touch with the Source and Sustainer of our being and enable us to live a prayerful life.
I am inspired by Christ in me, my hope of glory. Touching the living Christ replenishes every facet of my being and leads me into right action of love and justice.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I take time to replenish my mind, body, and spirit." (DW, 9.5.09)
"In all your ways acknowledge him . . . It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body." (Prov. 3:6,8)
Mei Meditatio:
Revivifying one's being in every aspect is necessary for continual energy and growth. This replenishment comes through connecting to God in Christ via living a life of prayer with special times set aside for contemplative practices. These prayerful moments of contemplation keep us in touch with the Source and Sustainer of our being and enable us to live a prayerful life.
I am inspired by Christ in me, my hope of glory. Touching the living Christ replenishes every facet of my being and leads me into right action of love and justice.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Daily Word (9.4.09)
Divine Order:
"I see God's higher order unfolding in every situation." (DW, 9.4.09)
"Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things." (1 Tim. 2:7)
Mei Meditatio:
God's divine loving presence is abiding within and all around every aspect and element of creation. God is as much immanent as transcendent, which means that God's being extends beyond creation yet also is very much present within it.
I affirm Divine Order in the universe in which I live and look to find the good and uplifting in every situation, regardless of appearances. God in Christ bestows understanding and I make an intention to express this wisdom in my life through the service of love and justice.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I see God's higher order unfolding in every situation." (DW, 9.4.09)
"Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things." (1 Tim. 2:7)
Mei Meditatio:
God's divine loving presence is abiding within and all around every aspect and element of creation. God is as much immanent as transcendent, which means that God's being extends beyond creation yet also is very much present within it.
I affirm Divine Order in the universe in which I live and look to find the good and uplifting in every situation, regardless of appearances. God in Christ bestows understanding and I make an intention to express this wisdom in my life through the service of love and justice.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Daily Word (9.2.09)
Prosperity:
"I accept the abundance of God flowing to me and through me now." (DW, 9.2.09)
"He brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey." (Deut. 26:9)
Mei Meditatio:
God's loving presence is ubiquitous, ever-inherent in my being through Christ. Spirit's liberative, revivifying activity comes to my awareness and flows from my being through my actions, resonating with the lives of others.
In Christ's loving embrace I recognize and respond to the abundant life, love, and liberty graciously given to me in God's abundance.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Daily Word (9.1.09)
Grace:
"God's grace refreshes and renews me." (DW, 9.1.09)
"Everything is for your sake, so that grace . . . may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." (2 Cor. 4:15)
Mei Meditatio:
God's grace is that ever-present Spirit of righteousness, goodness, and love that rejuvinates our being, leads us into upbuilding conduct, and guides our consciousness into ever greater heights of joyful lovingkindness.
Acknowledging the presence of God's grace in me, I am confident of Christ's work in strengthening my resolve to enact the faith I possess and live out the love of God in Christ.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"God's grace refreshes and renews me." (DW, 9.1.09)
"Everything is for your sake, so that grace . . . may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." (2 Cor. 4:15)
Mei Meditatio:
God's grace is that ever-present Spirit of righteousness, goodness, and love that rejuvinates our being, leads us into upbuilding conduct, and guides our consciousness into ever greater heights of joyful lovingkindness.
Acknowledging the presence of God's grace in me, I am confident of Christ's work in strengthening my resolve to enact the faith I possess and live out the love of God in Christ.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
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