Summer has begun. For many, this is the season for travel, relaxing with other, enjoying fresh local produce. For others, it is time of intense seasonal work — little time to relax, or even to sleep.
Do you have plans for this summer? Routines change, and often that is good.
When my prayer times feel non-productive, I sometimes find it helpful to remember the wisdom of John Scotus Eriugena, an 8th century intellect and church father in the Celtic church in Ireland. He referred to the Bible as “the Small Book,” and the universe as the Big Book.” Both contain Truth. As Christians, we are wise to pay attention to what is said by both of them. Studying scripture and other Holy Writings is one way to help us know God better. Formal prayers – services on Sundays, and regular morning, evening, or night prayers can be helpful. Perhaps you have another routine that helps you remember you are in God’s presence, in God’s love even while surrounded by chaos.
I find that often, when I am outside, or even looking out a window, I am reminded that God created a beautiful world, one for us to enjoy and take care of. God created people, to love. The people he created are to love each other, themselves, and to love God.
One way to experience God may be to go for a short walk in the Big Book and notice what is around you. Ask God to show you what God wants you to see. Something will likely catch your attention – perhaps a different shaped leaf, or a small plant, or a rotting stump, or a bird, or the bark on a tree, or … stop and look, spend some time with the item. Look carefully. How many shades of colour are there in it? What does it feel like – soft, hard, sharp, hot, cool? Does it have a smell? What does the smell remind you of? Perhaps taste it. Does it make a sound? If this item was put into a pile of similar items, how would you know which one is yours? You may like to sketch a picture of it, but this is optional.
Then ask God what is being revealed through this item that has called you? Take time to notice and listen to the feelings, the questions within you. Perhaps a piece of music or dance or scripture will float into your imagination. Pay attention to these. They may be from God. You may be surprised by what surfaces for you. Thank God for spending time with you today. Some people find it helpful to write about the experience in a journal.
This is one way to pray in the Big Book. There are others. Perhaps this summer is a good time to play with different ways of letting God speak with you, and for you to speak with God.
If you don’t have time to do all this, just pause for a moment, and thank God for the signs of creation and love around you — a plant, the smile on someone’s face, whatever you notice. This is prayer. Amen.
