Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Centering Your Spirit

LXIII.
CENTERING YOUR SPIRIT
(5/18)

Be Still and Know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Although many of us are a bit monastic these days, sheltering in place, the world is still very much with us. Just a few minutes of the news and the uncertainty of reopening the nation and churches disturbs our spirits. We are definitely in a storm and though the waves appear to be calming, there is no certainty that the storm has fully passed over. Many of us are weary despite the fact our days are unprogrammed and we have few, if any places to go.

The Psalmist knew about social and personal upheaval. Psalm 46 describes the foundations of Jerusalem shaking. Though tempted to succumb to panic, the Psalmist finds peace in centering his spirit on God.
The Psalmist creates a spiritual focus, “be still and know I am God,” to silence his anxiety and place him in God’s presence, knowing that God is the source of calm, peace, and wisdom, and that no storm can defeat our Loving Creator.

If you haven’t tried to meditate, why note begin a simple practice that may change your life. Here is a simple approach to contemplation:
1) Find a comfortable place.
2) Close your eyes and breathe deeply, inhaling and exhaling, connecting with the Loving Energy of the Universe and the Source of All Peace..
3) Let a focus or prayer word emerge or choose one that is meaningful to you – it might be “God,” “love,” Jesus,” “peace,” “joy,” or “be still…and know.”
4) Slowly and quietly begin to repeat this word as a way of focusing on God’s loving presence.
5) If you are distracted by thoughts, simply return to your focus or prayer word without judgment.
6) Rest in God’s presence for a few minutes, although eventually you may wish to focus for ten to twenty minutes.
7) Conclude with a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s blessings in your life.

Peace is just a word or breath away!
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Let a Let me rest in your love. Let me find peace in your presence. For you are with me always giving me peace amid the storm. Amen
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Bruce Epperly is a Cape Cod pastor, professor, and author of over 50 books including FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC and GOD ONLINE: A MYSTIC’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET.