Derek is an Episcopal priest and a Franciscan tertiary in the Third Order, Society of St. Francis. Derek currently serves as Associate Rector at Good Shepherd Episcopal in Tequesta, FL. Derek has also worked as a school chaplain, a youth minister, worship leader, and bilingual (Spanish-English) preacher. He lives with his wife, two sons, and two cats in Jupiter, FL.
In what areas of my life do I find myself struggling with feelings of self-doubt or unworthiness? How can I recognize these feelings when they arise?
How do I typically respond to criticism or negative feedback? Can I think of a recent example where I reacted defensively instead of practicing welcome?
What specific emotions or temptations do I often fight against, and how might welcoming them change my approach to these challenges?
Can I recall a time when I felt deeply connected to God’s love and belovedness? How can I cultivate that sense of connection more frequently in my daily life?
How might the practice of the Welcoming Prayer help me to let go of my desires for validation or control in my relationships with others?
How do I typically respond during moments of silence in my prayer life? Do I feel the need to fill the silence with words, or can I simply be present?
In what ways do I try to control or domesticate my experiences with God? How might I let go of this impulse and invite a deeper sense of trust?
What distractions or internal chatter prevent me from fully listening to God? How can I create a more peaceful environment for myself to hear His voice?
As I prepare for Lent, what specific practices or habits can I adopt to cultivate silence and listening in my daily life?
How might dedicating time to simply be present with God, without the need to do or say anything, transform my relationship with Him?
Resources for Further Reflection
My personal practice of silence is called Centering Prayer. Here are some resources where you can learn more.
In Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, Cynthia Bourgeault introduces readers to a simple yet profound prayer practice designed to deepen one’s relationship with God through silent contemplation. Aimed at those unfamiliar with contemplative prayer, this accessible guide explains how to engage in Centering Prayer, encouraging parishioners to quiet their minds and open their hearts to divine presence. Through practical insights and gentle guidance, Bourgeault invites readers to embark on a transformative journey of inner stillness and spiritual awakening, enhancing their faith and connection with God.
In Open Mind, Open Heart, Thomas Keating (the spiritual father of this practice) offers an accessible introduction to Centering Prayer, a method of silent prayer that invites individuals to deepen their relationship with God. Through clear guidance and practical insights, Keating shares the principles of this contemplative practice, helping readers to quiet their thoughts and open their hearts to God’s presence. This book serves as both a thoughtful exploration of the spiritual journey and a gentle encouragement for those seeking to experience the transformative power of silence and stillness in their prayer life.
Contemplative Outreach is a dedicated organization focused on promoting the practice of Centering Prayer, a method of silent prayer that opens individuals to a deeper relationship with God. The website serves as a rich resource for anyone interested in exploring this transformative spiritual practice.
Visitors to the Contemplative Outreach website can find a wealth of materials, including:
Introductory Resources: These include guides and articles that explain the principles of Centering Prayer, making it accessible for those new to the practice.
Training Opportunities: The site offers information on workshops, retreats, and online courses designed to help individuals deepen their understanding and experience of contemplative prayer.
Books and Publications: A curated selection of literature, including works by renowned authors in the contemplative tradition, provides further insights into Centering Prayer and its spiritual benefits.
Community Engagement: The website fosters a sense of community among practitioners, featuring group prayer opportunities, forums, and local chapters where individuals can connect and practice together.
Meditation Resources: Visitors can access guided meditations, audio recordings, and other tools that support silent contemplation and enhance one’s prayer journey.
Who comes to mind when I think of the term “enemy,” and how do I currently view my relationship with this person?
In what ways have I attempted to withhold love from others, believing it to be a limited resource, and how can I open myself to sharing love more freely?
How does the concept of love as a flowing presence of God change my understanding of my interactions with others, especially those I find challenging?
What are some practical ways I can actively love those I consider adversaries, following Jesus’ teachings on loving our enemies?
How can I remind myself daily that I belong to love, and that love is not something I possess but something I can express and share abundantly?
Are there individuals or groups I tend to categorize as solely “good” or “bad”? How might I challenge these assumptions and recognize the complexity within each person?
How do my beliefs about wealth and poverty shape my views on justice and compassion? What steps can I take to better align my actions with a more nuanced understanding?
In moments of judgment or condemnation towards others, how can I remind myself to pause and view the situation through the lens of compassion?
How can I actively seek out opportunities to practice compassion in my community, especially towards those I might not initially see as deserving of grace?
Who or what would I pronounce woe on? Where is God’s blessing there? Who or what would I pronounce as blessed? Where is the world’s woe/ brokenness there?
In what ways does our church community currently affirm the dignity of individuals who are marginalized or overlooked in society? How can we improve in this area?
Reflecting on the five actions of Jesus—seeing, speaking with, providing for, calming fears, and calling into community—how well does our congregation embody these practices in our outreach and ministry efforts?
Consider a recent interaction you had with someone seeking support or guidance. Did you fully see and acknowledge their humanity? How might you change your approach in future encounters?
How can we measure the effectiveness of contemporary Christian movements in light of Jesus’ example? Which movements demonstrate genuine care and concern for others, and which objectify or alienate those they aim to serve?
Who in your life might be calling you to see and support them more intentionally? What specific actions can you take to build a loving relationship with them based on the example set by Jesus?
In this Sacred Story, we go treasure hunting with Jesus! But Jesus’ treasure is not gold or diamonds or rubies or silver; the treasure of Jesus is the poor, the lost, the hurting, the sick, and the fearful. Jesus crosses heaven and earth and across land and sea just to find these, his treasure, to bring them the good news of God’s care and love. This story is from the Gospel of Luke 4:14-21.
Sacred Stories with Fr. Derek is a collection of short children’s homilies by the Rev. Derek Larson, TSSF, priest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Plant City, FL. The homilies are also given live on the last Sunday of the month at our family service at 10:30am.
Thoughts on Faith 