Action & Contemplation: the title of my first Episcopal Seminary class. Growing up in a faith tradition long on action and short on contemplation, I entered the class bemused and intrigued. Our professor, Dr. Corinne Ware, introduced us to the Christian mystics. She also made it clear from Day 1 that prayer WAS action. Prayer, she said, is the most powerful force available to us.
So, today, when grieving the murders in Minneapolis, the deaths from the July 4th flood, the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, I wonder why I find the sentiment “thoughts and prayers” inadequate, even insulting. But isn’t prayer the most powerful force available to us?
While I don’t have a full answer to my query, I do recall Dr. Ware’s teaching. She said that often, we talk to God and feel we’re done. Contemplative prayer, though, is listening: taking time to be still and focus on God. In doing so, we attend to the Divine revealed in Scripture; in the lives of our neighbors; in the truth of our soul; in creation; in a burning bush or a still, small voice. And, when we listen, when we attend, we are changed.
And that transformation provides the impetus for our actions. Prayer coaxes us to love our neighbor as ourself. Loving ourself means choosing ways to love our neighbor that express our soul. We might provide food or clothing; write an encouraging letter, an email, a text; create art that voices our values. We might give our time, our abilities, our money to causes that support and protect our neighbors. Or we might join a protest, speak at a city council meeting, call our representative.
Which brings me back to thoughts on “thoughts and prayers.” When someone asks, “how are you?” as they’re exiting the room, they’re not asking for an in-depth description of our day. It’s a passing greeting, nothing more. “Thoughts and prayers” feels like that: like a passing thought on the way to somewhere more interesting.
Real prayer goes to the bone.
What are your thoughts on action and contemplation? How do you love your neighbor? How do you love yourself? Share your thoughts at contact@aspaciousplace.com.
