Online Sunday Service:
The Path
In this reflection we will be exploring the spiritual path. As an opening song, listen to this invitation to become still and grounded in God's presence:
Time: 22 minutes
As an ending to the talk, listen to the following chant, Kyrie Eleison, which means "Lord, have mercy upon us":
This guided prayer will give you an opportunity for inner reflection on this theme:
As an ending to the guided meditation, listen to the following song:
Textural walk:
I encourage you to take a slow meditative walk, if possible with bare feet on soft grass, or else in a place that has a clear texture, such as gravel. As you walk, become aware of the texture that you are feeling underfoot, and the sound of each footfall. Allow yourself to surrender to the texture of the path in each moment, and as you do so, bring an attitude of surrender to God with your whole being. At the end of your walk, bow in gratitude and acknowledgement for the texture of THIS path that you are journeying on, for your life in this moment in time.
Take some gentle time to read and reflect on the following poem, by Mary Oliver:
When I am among the trees
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
–Mary Oliver, “When I Am Among the Trees” from "Thirst," (Beacon Press, 2006).
Ending Prayer:
My hands are as open as they can be,
my heart as willing as it can be,
my soul aching to be your love,
my mind all too ready.
This is who I am: wanting, fearful, bullheaded, defended, dulled, blocked, weak, willful… and beautiful to you.
Blow your Spirit through me now, O God.
Just now.
Just this moment, and the next.
If I am not for you, I want to be for nothing.
Amen.
~Prayer by Gerald May
We would appreciate any donations so that we can continue making resources like this available at no cost.
Donate here...
A very warm thank you to all of you who have donated so generously.
To see a list of additional resources click here...
If you are not already on our mailing list you can subscribe here...
If you are interested in ordering a copy of Sharon's book, Contemplative Living, please email Bonnie Kaplan Kaufmann who is handling deliveries: