Holidays are a necessary time for everyone, providing a break from the normal, a time to rest and recharge, to reflect and as Pope Francis says, ‘offer a time to restore the spirit.’ This week why not take some quiet time to ‘restore the spirit’ within you, with a quiet time of prayer.
- Choose a time of day when you can be on your own, in a place you know you will be able to relax, indoors or outdoors, somewhere where there will be no distractions. You may find a cup of tea/coffee/glass of water helps you to relax-that’s okay. You may want to write down a few things as you go along so a prayer journal may be useful. You may want to pray out loud or draw or just speak to God in the silence of this time.
- Try a relaxation/breathing exercise to begin with. Sit comfortably, your eyes loosely closed, your feet and arms uncrossed. When you are ready become aware of your breathing, bring the breath in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds and let go…and again…and again….Now as you breathe in this time attach any distractions…uninvited thoughts to the breathe and breathe out, allowing the distractions to go quietly from you, and again…
As you breathe in and out, in and out, think of this as the breath of God, pure…clean…life giving… Now take a deep breath and bring in God’s healing….God’s trust….God’s love.
Let God’s love flow into every part of you that needs him
And breathe slowly out
And relax
Feel the presence of God radiate within you
And pray
Lord Jesus Christ…
Be with me as I reflect …
Send me your Spirit of peace…
Guide me in my prayer
Be with me as I draw closer to you this day - Be aware of how you feel and simply say it aloud, write it or acknowledge it quietly…
- Take a few minutes and look at your life and name what and who you are truly grateful for…
- Now talk to God about the situations/people you may be struggling with, areas of your life where you need the light of God’s grace to help you to be truly honest about…to ask forgiveness for… to seek God’s wisdom and guidance…
- Looking ahead to tomorrow, to the days and weeks ahead… what are your hopes, your plans…ask God to help you to know your true desires, your genuine needs…place yourself in total trust in God’s hands…pray to open to God’s will in your life… ask God’s help for whatever you think you will need…
- Take whatever time you need to reflect prayerfully
- Finish by thanking God for the gift of God’s unconditional love…
- Know that God forever holds you in his loving gaze and embrace…
- Say quietly whatever prayer comes to your heart at this time…
- Amen
