"real" prayer

“How easily we slide into thinking of our prayers as the “real” prayer. What is the “real” prayer, the grace we say at the table, or the meal that follows it? And if we pray at all times, as we should, our eating and drinking will be real prayer. Gratefulness will turn the whole meal into prayer, for after we pray our prayers, we will pray our soup, salad, and dessert.”

-David Steindl-Rast, Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer

Gratefulness: The Heart of Prayer

by David Steindl-Rast

"real" prayer

“How easily we slide into thinking of our prayers as the “real” prayer. What is the “real” prayer, the grace we say at the table, or the meal that follows it? And if we pray at all times, as we should, our eating and drinking will be real prayer. Gratefulness will turn the whole meal into prayer, for after we pray our prayers, we will pray our soup, salad, and dessert.”

-David Steindl-Rast, Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer

Gratefulness: The Heart of Prayer

by David Steindl-Rast

Willing to thank God

“In the same way that I am willing to thank my husband for a gift even before I have opened it—because I trust his love of me—I am willing to thank God for my life even before I know how it turns out. This is brave talk, I know, while I can still pay the bills, walk without assistance, and talk someone into going to the movies with me. My hope is that if I can practice saying thank you now, when I still approve of most of what is happening to me, then perhaps that practice will have become habit by the time I do not like much of anything that is happening to me. The plan is to replace approval with gratitude.”

-Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World

Link to order book on Amazon

Willing to thank God

“In the same way that I am willing to thank my husband for a gift even before I have opened it—because I trust his love of me—I am willing to thank God for my life even before I know how it turns out. This is brave talk, I know, while I can still pay the bills, walk without assistance, and talk someone into going to the movies with me. My hope is that if I can practice saying thank you now, when I still approve of most of what is happening to me, then perhaps that practice will have become habit by the time I do not like much of anything that is happening to me. The plan is to replace approval with gratitude.”

-Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World

Link to order book on Amazon

Check out "Faith Rules" by Ian Markham

I am always looking for new resources, books, videos, materials of all sorts which can help us delve deeper into our lives, and grow and transform.  I happened across the "Faith Rules" resources assembled by Ian Markham, the Dean and President of my seminary, the Virginia Theological Seminary.  Looks to be some great resources.  I recommend them highly!

Blessings on this Tuesday,

Peter+

From the Very Rev. Dr. Ian Markham:

"For those searching for a gentle version of ALPHA, Faith Rules can help. Sam Gottlich and I have created the guidance notes for leaders on the website www.faith-rules.com (under resources). It is great to see the interest the book is generating. When at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington DE, I had some fun reading some of the Rules relating to the Episcopal tribe. Please click here for the downloadable resources"
- http://www.faith-rules.com/resources