Tag: prayer

New Homily: Listen

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

  1. 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?
  2. 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?
  3. 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?
  4. As I prepare for Lent, what specific practices or habits can I adopt to cultivate silence and listening in my daily life?
  5. 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.

Book: Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault

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.

Book: Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating

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.

Website: Contemplative Outreach

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.

New Homily and More: The Little Ones of Christ (Part Two in the Growing Down Sermon Series)

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

The audio of this week’s homily. You can find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

  1. How can I embrace a childlike faith characterized by trust, innocence, and a willingness to learn from others, especially from the children around me?
  2. What words would I use to describe young children in my life? Could I use those words to describe myself?
  3. How do I perceive the role of children in our faith community, and how can I incorporate their perspective to deepen my own spiritual journey?
  4. In what ways can I support the children in my life to grow in faith while also allowing their example to challenge and inspire my own growth as a “little one” in Christ?

Resources for Further Reflection

Comic Book: Francis: Brother of the Universe
In this genuine Marvel comic book from 1982 you can find the story of St. Francis, including his encounter with the Pope asking for recognition by the church to be a holy order. It’s a classic and a fun (and childlike) way to engage the story of Francis, even though there are many well-done biographies about him as well (in fact I have a sizable Franciscan section in my office if you’d like to borrow anything).

Religious Order: Third Order, Society of St. Francis
I belong to a religious order called the Society of St. Francis. The friars are those in the first order. The cloistered nuns are those in the second order. I belong to the third order, a dispersed Anglican order for lay people and clergy, married people and single, men, women, and all people who would like to follow Christ in a deeper way through the Franciscan path. It has been a wonderful experience that I highly recommend to anyone interested in Franciscan spirituality who wants to deepen their faith.

Children’s Book: God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
In the homily I speak about Jesus’ big dream, which is actually a small dream. In saying that, I am using the language of a beautiful children’s book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, called God’s Dream. I highly recommend it!

New Homily and More: The Cross We Carry

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

  1. Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” An extension of that question is this: What does the symbol of the cross mean to you? Is it protection? A badge? A reminder? A scandal? A symbol of status? A symbol of humility? What does it mean to you?
  2. What pain in your life are you being called to acknowledge? What does it mean to take it up and follow Jesus?
  3. What pain in the world are you being called to acknowledge? What does it mean to walk beside those in pain as they carry their cross?

Resources for Further Reflection

Book: The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope for, and Believe by Richard Rohr

Richard Rohr is a Franciscan, Catholic Priest who writes a lot about spirituality and the Franciscan tradition. In this book, Rohr writes about how the notion of Christ is much bigger than we often recognize. He also spends some time talking about the cross and the crucifixion. In chapter twelve he writes a beautiful meditation about the cross as the place to acknowledge our suffering and be seen by God.

Song: “Come, All Who Are Weary” by the Porter’s Gate

The same Jesus who said, “Take up your cross and follow me” is the one who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This week’s sermon has really been a wrestling of the tension between these two sayings of Jesus. What if they aren’t so opposite as they seem? Listen to this song from my favorite music group and let the words of Jesus wash over you.

Religious Jewelry: Tau Franciscan Cross Necklace

Here is an example of a Franciscan cross similar to the one we used on our pilgrimage. If you don’t have a cross necklace, perhaps its time to get a simple one like this to remember that your pain is seen by God.

New Homily and More: Casting Out, Welcoming In

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

Find the full text of the homily here.

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

Prayer Practice: The Welcoming Prayer

The prayer of welcoming grace into things unwanted or uncomfortable resonates with the Welcoming Prayer, developed by Mary Mrozowski, a lay contemplative, and Thomas Keating, a Trappist Monk. This has been one my core prayer practices. Click the above link to learn more about the practice.

Homily: The Welcoming Prayer

I also preached a sermon on the Welcoming Prayer a couple years ago. Find it at the link above.

Teaching from the Book of Occasional Services on Exorcisms

There is a very brief explanation of exorcisms in the Episcopal Church’s Book of Occasional Services. If you are interested in learning more, click the above link and scroll down to page 233. While you are there, look at some of the beautiful occasional services included in the book.

New Homily (and More): With Sighs Too Deep for Words

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

Find the full text here.

Also, I’m trying out something new on the website. With each homily I’m going to start posting some resources connected to the Scripture passage and message I spoke on for deeper reflection. Below are the resources for this week. You can also find them on the homilies page. Let me know if you find it helpful or if you have suggestions!

Resources

For more reflection on this passage from Romans and the practice of wordless prayer see some of the following, and never hesitate to reach out for a conversation!

Song: Spirit Move! (Keep on Moving) by the Porter’s Gate
This song based on Romans 8:22-27 is from a new album by one of my favorite music artists, The Porter’s Gate. It was the soundtrack for the writing of this sermon.

Web Article: Learning to Pray from the Spirit and the Heart by Fr. Jack N. Sparks
This web posting is an adaptation of an old teaching on prayer from the 16th century by priest, Lorenzo Scupoli. I found it really helpful in framing the different types of prayer and praying from the Spirit/heart.

Organization: Contemplative Outreach
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/
One of the methods of wordless prayer that has been part of my practice is called Centering Prayer, inspired by the ancient monastic tradition and contemporarily developed by Fr. Thomas Keating, a Trappist Monk. Contemplative Outreach is the primary organization that teaches about centering prayer and organizes groups around the country. Below are a few more resources on Centering Prayer.

Group: Centering Prayer Group at Jupiter FIRST Church
Meets on the fourth Monday of each month
https://www.jupiterfirst.org/spiritualformation/

Book: Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating

Book: Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault