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.
How often do I find myself asking “What’s that?” about the world around me, and what are some examples of things I can explore with a sense of childlike wonder?
In what areas of my life do I feel the need for certainty and easy answers? How might letting go of these needs open me up to new experiences and perspectives?
Can I identify moments when I have chosen judgment or skepticism over wonder? How did this choice affect my relationships and understanding of God’s presence?
What fears or discomforts arise within me when faced with the unknown, and how can I cultivate a sense of awe and curiosity in the midst of that confusion?
How do I currently invite spiritual curiosity into my life, and what practices can I adopt to deepen my engagement with the mystery of the Holy Spirit?
How do I personally embody the values of welcome and community in my daily life, and in what ways could I improve upon this?
In what areas am I currently resisting God’s call to participate in the loving community that He desires, and what steps can I take to overcome that resistance?
What actions can I commit to this week that will help foster an environment of healing and grace within my community?
How can I deepen my understanding of God’s final vision for humanity and integrate it into my personal mission and purpose?
Reflect on a time when you felt welcomed or included in a community. How can that experience inspire you to create similar opportunities for others at St. Peter’s?
Also, I have been behind on posting homilies for the last couple months and the website is now updated! If you would like to see homilies from the last few weeks, find them here.
In what ways do I view my relationships through the lens of possession rather than connection? How can I shift this mindset?
Do I tend to see people around me as competitors or burdens? How can I work towards seeing them as siblings and members of a shared family?
How do I respond to feelings of unworthiness in my relationships? Do I seek to disconnect or deepen my connections?
Can I identify moments when I have referred to others using possessive language (e.g., “your son,” “this son of yours”)? What might change if I used inclusive language that emphasizes connection?
How can I actively foster a sense of belonging and community in my interactions with others, both within my family and in the larger community?
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?
Thoughts on Faith 