Dear Friends,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear Jesus being asked what is essential. He responds,
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
I’d like for us to consider, in earnest, how we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. Do we really put effort into following this commandment? Do we feel our efforts are fruitless? Do we know how to pray beyond just asking for things? Do we know how to pray and commune with God in our daily lives?
While libraries have been written about how we can answer these questions, I would like to offer you some convenient resources for prayer.
As we are part of the Anglican tradition, our staple of prayer is the Daily Office. You can look at your Book of Common Prayer or refer to this site that provides the scriptures for you: Calendar for liturgical year 2022-2023 | The Daily Office | Morning and Evening Prayer according to the Book of Common Prayer (2019) (dailyoffice2019.com)
For almost 20 years, I have used this Ignatian site as an aid in prayer. It can help guide us in seeing God in our everyday lives: Sacred Space – Your daily prayer online.
Here is a recent Episcopal addition for daily prayer that offers some refreshing language and insights: Daily Prayer for All Seasons_English-revise111714.indd (episcopalchurch.org).
Finally, Second Breath is a wonderful organization that teaches contemplative prayer. It was started by an Episcopal priest and combines centering prayer with meditative practices. Their app can transform your prayer life: Second Breath (secondbreathcenter.com).
I pray that we can seriously engage in deepening our love of God, with all our heart, soul, and mind.
Peace,
Fr. Jonathan