In times of trouble for our lives and our world, many thoughts and feelings visit us. Like an unexpected wave knocking us off our feet, shock, anger, fear, a desire for revenge, doubt, and a loss of control wash over us. In such times we may desire God's comfort and seek to pray.
Making Sacred Space
Often words are not enough to carry the longings of our heart or to remind us of the presence of God in our lives. Physical things that we can see, touch, smell, taste, and hear bring prayer more fully into our hearts and minds.
Create for yourself a sacred space in your home or office. Place in your space beautiful things that remind you of God. The flame of a burning candle may remind you of God's ever-present light. A bowl of water may remind you of your baptism. A green plant may remind you that God holds the memory of life even in the harshness of the coldest winter.
Place also, in your sacred space, symbols of the longings of your heart. Place names or photographs of people or situations for which you pray. If your prayer is for peace, perhaps a paper crane or a dove can bless your sacred space. If you long for stability, perhaps a rock will bless your space. If you desire comfort, perhaps a blanket or other symbol of comfort will bless your space. If you feel broken and in need of healing, perhaps pieces of broken pottery in your sacred space will help to carry your prayer.
Speaking
Telling the truth of our experience to ourselves and to others keeps our experience from being locked inside us. When we bring our experience to the light of awareness, it can then be healed.
Journaling
Write down everything you think and feel. Do not judge your writing. There is no need to edit out anger, doubt, guilt, or desires for revenge. That which remains hidden within you is more likely to be dangerous for you than that which you bring to awareness.
Do not worry about spelling, thought flow, and sentence structure. You can write with single words or colors or shapes. Drawing and movement are also ways of journaling that do not require words.
Read the Psalms for examples of journaling. Often a Psalmist will begin writing from the depths of despair and discover, the course of writing that the faith that seemed so impossible is still present.
Community
One of the most valuable gifts anyone can give to another person is to listen without impatience, judgement, or advice giving. Talking about thoughts and feelings can make them feel less overwhelming and isolating.
Listening
God is all around us and speaks to us in many things. Learning ways to listen for God's presence can help us to find peace.
Scripture
Entering the Biblical story with our imaginations and our feelings puts us in a place where God can speak to our lives. When you read a Bible passage, pay attention to how you feel. What about it captures your attention? What about it brings you comfort? What about it makes you angry? What about it brings you fear? Talk with God about these things. The Psalms, and the gospels of Luke and John are great places to start.
Breath
Since ancient times, Christians have used a way of praying called the breath prayer. The original breath prayer was: "Lord Jesus Son of God, Have mercy on me a sinner." The first phrase of the prayer was said when the person praying inhaled. The second phrase of the prayer was said when the person praying exhaled. With the phrases of this prayer in mind, the person praying was reminded of God's presence with every breath. Use the ancient breath prayer or find your own breath prayer. Address God when you inhale and request God's care when you exhale. Some possible breath prayers are: Holy source of light and life, Fill me with your love. Or God of hope, Grant us peace.
Silence
Silence of body and mind provide a place for us to simply be in the presence of God. When we sit in silence though, we soon discover that our minds are constantly talking to us. When you sit in silent prayer, imagine your thoughts like fallen leaves floating on the waters of a clear mountain stream. Notice the thoughts, acknowledge their presence, but do not hold on to them. Let the water of the stream be the grace that carries them away.
Anger
Being angry does not mean you are a bad person. Anger often visits us in troubled times. But anger has the potential to control us, bringing tension to our bodies and minds and conflict to our relationships. When you are visited by anger that will not go away, write down your angry thoughts. Then, when you are ready, place the papers in a non-flammable container and burn them outside. As you watch the flame, ask God to consume your anger with the fire of grace. When the papers have become smoking ash, cool them with a cup of water and ask God to comfort and calm you with the waters of life.
Fear
Fear too visits us in troubled times. Fear provides us with the gift of caution. But it can also make our minds race to horrible things. When you are afraid, offer your mind a different image from the images created by your fear. Imagine the golden light of God around you. Permit this light to take a human form and hold you in a loving embrace.
Doubt
Where is God in the midst of evil? Why is the face of God often so hard to see in troubled times? Every person of faith has asked these questions, even the saints. When you doubt, speak the truth of your feelings to God, who does not even seem to be there. An empty bowl in your prayer space might also speak of your longing and your emptiness. And if you are unable to pray, ask someone else in your faith community to carry your prayer. Doubt will not last forever. The grace and the presence of God will return to your life.
May the light of God who in mystery holds all things in hope, illumine your heart with radiant grace.
By Anna Terman-White, Ministry Educator with Alegent Health Center for Healing Ministries in Omaha NE.