Look for the sacred in the everyday


Good morning all, Bore da pawb!

For Day 4 we have a different Bible verse to begin your day.
Benedictine spirituality has another gift for us at this time? It’s a kind of sacred mindfulness.
While I was in ministry training I had the pleasure of talking with a Benedictine monk. He told me that one of the most important things that the Rule of Benedict taught him was to rest every action as if it were sacred. You would put as much care, thought and prayer into preparing a meal for your brothers as you would into preparing the bread and wine for Holy Communion. You would put as much care, thought and prayer into the washing up as you would into washing the plate and chalice after Communion.
Do what you are doing as if it were a Holy thing. Prepare food as if it is a Holy act, exercise as it is Holy and wash as if it is Holy. Because it is Holy. These activities of everyday life are what keep us healthy and whole and God (however you might think of the Divine) can and does speak to us through them.

*****


MORNING
Wake, but do not move to begin with. Be aware of yourself, the air going in and out of your lungs, be aware of your senses and what they are telling you, feel the aches and pains of life that were dulled a bit by rest.

Give thanks, because all you feel means you are alive, the world is better for you being in it.

Take a moment to think of ONE positive thing you will try to do today.

Psalm 50:23 (Read through slowly 3 times)
23 Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honour me;
    to those who go the right way. I will show the salvation of God.’

BREAKFAST
As you make your breakfast, be mindful of each thing you do as you do it. Be fully present.
As you consume your breakfast offer thanks for the producers and distributers of our food, water and power.

LUNCH
Pause. Sit. Breathe. You are still here.
Follow the same routine of mindfulness and thanks as at breakfast.

DINNER/TEA
Same as for lunch

EVENING BEFORE SLEEP

Be aware of yourself, the air going in and out of your lungs, be aware of your senses and what they are telling you, feel the aches and pains of life that will be dulled a bit by rest.

Give thanks, because all you feel means you are alive and have lived, the world is better for you being in it.
Thanks be to God.
Amen

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