Patience: long of nostril (The Lord is [slow to anger ('erekh appayim)]) - how long are your nostrils?Patience as counter-cultural resistance; we live in a society of instant gratification, patience is radicalGod is love, love is patientPatience is not about how long we wait, but how well we waitPatience:WithdrawBe fully presentEndureGod is far better at waiting than we are at resisting
Gal 5:16-26Peace: Shalom, IrenaeInner Peace comes not from self help, but from God:- Theology: enmity with God becomes peace with God- Sociology: enmity with each other comes to an end- Psychology: peace floods the soul when Christ rules the heart.- Ecology: An end to enmity with creation - we are to be friends with the world around us.
At its simplest, contemplative prayer is resting, enjoying or simply being in the presence of God."Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4"I was more anxious for the hour of prayer to be over than I was to remain there. I don't know what heavy penance I would not have gladly undertaken rather than practice prayer." Teresa of Ávila"Contemplative prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us." Teresa of AvilaHow to get started1. Lectio Divina2. Breath Prayer3. Focus on beauty"You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." Augustine of Hippo"We are really contemplatives in the heart of the world. For we are touching the body of Christ 24 hours. We have 24 hours in this presence." Mother Teresa of CalcuttaBreath Prayer: Return to your rest, my soul,(inhale) for the Lord has been good to you (exhale), Psalm 116:7
