The Longing Gaze of God

Something to ponder today:

God paces at the window of our souls,
leaning forward, peering in,
seeking and longing for us.
God aches to be at one with us.

Denise Pyles, M.Div.
Visit me at Weekly Spiritual Reflections

The WORD is Love

There is a holiday madness in the air. Is there anything logical about putting up a tree (be that live or artificial) in one’s home and decorating it with lights and ornaments? On one level, no - this is beyond any logical explanation. Yet, on a deeper level - yes, of course this is madness, this is good, this is OK, for spiritual matters defy logic and reason sometimes. We place a tree in our homes to remind us of the “reason for the season” - to carve out space in our lives for Love - to make room in our life for God - to receive the gifts of the Spirit into our hearts.

In the midst of all the preparations, family rituals, traditions, and even the commercialism of the holiday season, there is a Scripture passage that keeps emerging from all the chaos and preparatory rush this time of year brings: “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.” (John 1:14) The Word still dwells among us, and the Word is Love. Love becomes flesh; Love dwells in our hearts; Love abides in our relationships; Love permeates creation. Love is palpable, tangible God.

In this hustle and bustle of the season, let us be mindful of the ways Love is shown to us. Let us be attentive to how Love comes to us in gentle and unexpected ways. Let us pay attention to the infinite ways God is revealed to us in Love through the ordinary moments of daily life.
What symbol reminds you of God? What space have you carved out for God’s love?

Blessings this week!

Denise Pyles, M.Div.
Visit me at Weekly Spiritual Reflections

Prayer in the Struggle

Oh God,
there are many struggles in my life right now.
Let me not struggle tonight. Amen.

Denise Pyles, M.Div.
Visit me at Weekly Spiritual Reflections

3 Steps to Intentional Quiet during Advent

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seems to go by with lightning speed. Ironically, in the Christian tradition, this is also the season of Advent, a time of slowing down, of hopeful expectation, of anticipation and waiting, and a time of reflective preparation for the season of Christmas - quite a counter cultural contrast to the busy and chaotic shopping season we are experiencing.

Here are 3 simple steps to help you find quiet and stillness during this season of Advent:

1) Pay attention to your routine throughout the chaos of the season. Yes, we all have a routine even during our most busy times. See where you can find moments of quiet in your routine of waking up, getting ready for the day, driving to and from errands or work, etc. For example, be mindful of praying while taking a shower or brushing your teeth - asking God for a heart of awareness throughout the day; when driving to and from places, make a decision to drive with no radio or mp3 playing - drive in the quiet, allowing yourself to breathe in the stillness and calm your mind.

2) Set aside a few minutes a couple of times per week to read the Bible or a meditation book on Advent. During this time, I enjoy reading the book of Isaiah, the Psalms or the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels. If you are able to find time to reach each day that is wonderful; if you can only find time once a week or a couple of times per week that is great too. Find a time and reading material that works best for you.

3) Take time to listen. Again, find a few moments once or a couple of times per week to listen to music or to just sit and listen to the quiet. For example, I love listening to George Winston’s December during this time of Advent for it takes me to a quiet, prayerful place deep in my heart. Classical music also does this for me. Another suggestion is to watch slide meditations or inspiring videos such as Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” or an “Advent Conspiracy” video on YouTube. (See the Links tab at the top menu of Weekly Spiritual Reflections for access to these videos). Again, find a time and listening material that helps you listen with your heart and pay attention to God’s presence in the stillness.

May these steps nourish your spirit and deepen your soul. May these suggestions spark some ideas for you to find quiet moments with God in the midst of your own hectic schedule. Be realistic during this busy time of the year. Don’t try to do too much or set unrealistic expectations for your prayer life. What’s important is to pray with an attitude of openness and awareness of God’s presence in the ordinary, in the unexpected, in the quiet, and in the extraordinary moments of insight throughout our daily lives.

Blessings during this stirring season of Advent!

To your spiritual growth in God,

Denise Pyles, M.Div.
Visit me at Weekly Spiritual Reflections

The Season of Waiting in Stillness

Advent is the season of preparation and waiting for Christmas. It is a season of hopeful expectation and waiting in stillness. I think for the most part that we have the preparation part down pretty good. It seems that between Thanksgiving and Christmas many of us are busy preparing and getting ready to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. What about the waiting? This is an area where I know I need to grow. I struggle sometimes in waiting and in being still, for I am quick to lose patience with myself.

Here is what I have learned about waiting in stillness over the past Advent seasons:
When the season gets busy, take a few moments to be quiet - some of my best quiet times are driving in the car with no radio or mp3 player on.
Take a lot of deep breaths every now and then to help stay centered in the midst of this chaotic time.
Take a nice, long hot bath at night once in a while to help de-stress the mind and body.

What helps you pay attention to God while waiting in the stillness?

Blessings as we prepare and wait in stillness with joyful hope.

Denise Pyles, M.Div.
Visit me at Weekly Spiritual Reflections

Praying the News - For the Way of Help That is Needed Soon

We pray for all people who are burdened
by the weight of the recessionary economy;
For those who stand in an unemployment line;
For those buried under the mound of debt,
For those who stand on the edge of foreclosure,
and for those who have fallen into the abyss of bankruptcy.
May anchors of hope be cast in deep waters of strength.
May life lines of stability be thrown with the might of relief.
May the rescue of empowerment
be launched with the thrusters of determination.
And may help for all be on the way soon and very soon.
For this we pray in the name of the
God of goodness, love and peace.
Hear us O God. Amen.

Denise Pyles, M.Div.
Visit me at Weekly Spiritual Reflections

Link to news source:
Slew of reports reveal battered economy http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27926517/from/ET/

Bible and the Spirit: Galatians 6:9

“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right,
for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 NRSV


What are your blessings from doing right?
Keep on keeping on and Happy Thanksgiving!

Denise Pyles, M.Div.
Visit me at Weekly Spiritual Reflections