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Scriptio: First Day Nerves
Equal parts nervous and excited, I log into Zoom to attend orientation for the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola of Chicago. I double check-the time and the timezone because I always doubt myself, and my math. I have the correct time and I used the link they emailed me. On the screen, it…
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Oratio: Leaves Of Change
The leaves of changesignal the quiet departureof summer’s warmthbeckoning inthe cool winter windsbringing us togetherto gatherand huddlearound one anotherfor it is not goodfor any one of usto be aloneand when we gatherfor His sakewe are not alone ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: As You Are
“Humility is nothing but truly knowing and feeling yourself, as you truly are.” ~The Cloud of Unknowing
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Oratio: Holy Longing
I want to rejectthis feelingI want to runaway from fearbut I must pursuethis holy longingthough it maytear me apartthough it mayshake me to piecesfor I believeGod’s promisenow and forever ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: More Craft Than Feeling
“Faith, I’ve come to believe, is more craft than feeling. And prayer is our chief practice in the craft.” ~Tish Harrison Warren
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Scriptio: At Least For A Moment
Halfway into my morning centering prayer session, my nose began to itch. It was subtle, but noticeable, quietly demanding my attention. Out of instinct and habit, I was tempted to scratch it. It occurred to me, however, that part of the practice of centering prayer is the practice of letting go of these instincts,…
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Oratio: When You Are Pleased
Heavenly FatherI hear your whispersthe word upon my heartI see the winkof your divine eyeI feel you smiling upon mewhen you are pleasedand you want nothing lessthan for me to sharein your eternal joywhy I strayremains a mysteryand so I pray ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: When Our Defenses Fall
“This is not to say that God desires for us to suffer. Rather, when our defenses fall, our ultimate connection is revealed. Thus, vulnerability is another way in which we can experience our desire for God.” ~Fr. James Martin, SJ
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Oratio: I Am Enough
Releaseyour possessionswhispers the Lordcome to metrust in mefollow meabide in melet go of allthat you hold dearfor I am enough ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: Gentle Hearts
“Humility makes our hearts gentle towards the perfect and the imperfect; towards those from reverence, towards those from compassion.” ~Frances De Sales