C
Calliope
Guest
At the Presbyterian church I sometimes attend, each service begins with a lengthy examination of conscience, a prayer asking for forgiveness and professing sorrow for our sins, and the people praying for one another and vowing to do better. There are three actual periods of silent contemplation (not just a breath length pause) during this rite. And the words are different each week, so it doesn’t become rote automatic (which can be a stumbling block for me) but each week has a focus that is alligned with the readings for the week, or the liturgical calendar.
Sometimes, when prayer and response is the same each week, I find myself falling into “automatic” and not listening or paying attention and focusing on what the prayer actually means. Then, when we are moving on to the next I say to myself “oh! I just missed that…I just zoned right through it.” As if saying the right thing at the right time is more important than what I say.
I find that with song lyrics too, sometimes I just sing along and never pay any attention to what I am saying…don’t really have a clue what the song is about. I think I get too worried that I might forget the words, or not respond properly, or proud when I do recall the words. Personal hangup.
Calliope
Sometimes, when prayer and response is the same each week, I find myself falling into “automatic” and not listening or paying attention and focusing on what the prayer actually means. Then, when we are moving on to the next I say to myself “oh! I just missed that…I just zoned right through it.” As if saying the right thing at the right time is more important than what I say.
I find that with song lyrics too, sometimes I just sing along and never pay any attention to what I am saying…don’t really have a clue what the song is about. I think I get too worried that I might forget the words, or not respond properly, or proud when I do recall the words. Personal hangup.
Calliope