In search of Advent practices
Advent snuck up on me this year. I know it’s a time of preparation, but I’ve never felt the need for an individual practice, like I do now. My church is deliberately avoiding the Lenten connection; we’re consciously using blue instead of purple. I’m fine with that—but I feel more like I need a Lenten-ish practice now. I’ve normally done weekly community practices; either helped design them at my church, or with friends. This year, that isn’t happening. And I don’t feel particularly penitential, but I need to hold the waiting.
I linked to the EDOW Advent Calendar, and that is an option—but I’m too ‘net-addicted, as it is. I need something offline. I have an Advent devotional that I could use, but I don’t want to follow daily suggestions—just hold the space, in prayer. And I don’t have time to write daily meditations, like my friend Buddhapalian is (although I certainly go there, and read them).
When I look ahead of me, all I see is busy-ness until 12/14. Then I’ll go to the Apostle in Exile's house and crash for a couple of weeks. I need to hold the sacred space in my own heart, within all of this.
I’m sure I could come up with something, but my friends are my best resource. For five or ten minutes a day, what are you doing, to hallow the waiting?
Thank you.
11 comments:
Beloved wayward brat,
I would suggest spending 10-15 minutes a day soaking in the beauty of Berkeley. And, as often as you can manage it, bubble baths. Both practices will help still you and we all know that God speaks in stillness.
I will post a photo from near CDSP just for you.
Kirstin, my walk is where I often encounter God - Advent, or any time of the year. I skipped today and, that is not good.
Thank you both, so much. Those are great ideas. :-)
Grandmere, walking heals my soul, too.
"'net addicted" - I hear ya.
Unfortunately for you my dear friend, I am about the least organized, most messy, totally without discipline(s) Jesus lover you will ever meet. So, no suggestions from me, but I am grateful for the advice from others, and will be drawing a big bath later, after my walk. ;)
Walking to and from work at least once a day (or trying). It's a mile each way.
Light a candle, read Isaiah, then blow the candle out and watch the smoke reveal what is hidden...
ignatian examen, yo
Making sure I go to sleep at night with God the last person I think of, and the first person I wake to greet.
Taking at least half an hour a day for prayer and study.
And unlike you--I'm deliberately exploring the Internet and ways of using it for prayer and meditation! Allotting another half hour a day to seek out and pray with online advent calendars, video meditations, art sources, daily morning and evening prayer (I'm not satisfied with the sources I've found for those so far--they're all text based. I want to find one where I can LISTEN to the daily offices being said or sung. Anyone know of such a site?)
If you like Marian prayer--or feel comfortable experimenting with it--I have been doing the Angelus for Midday Prayer when I'm out and away from my breviary. It's very quick and I never fail to get a lift from consciously breathing in, extending my hands in in a safe and appropriate setting (not while driving :-)) and recommiting myself to my call with the second invocation. "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done unto me according to thy word."
Oh, and let me know if you'd like a copy of Sophia compline and the about to be completed Sophia midday prayer--also short but lovely IMHO.
Wow, there's great stuff here. Thank you, all!
Apinex, I'll keep my eyes out. :-)
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