Often our mind is filled with many things which can lead to worries. It is often taken up with
future events and how parts of our busy schedule will come together. These worries can
cause us a lack of sleep. How can we let go of these worries to find rest? Is it possible for us
to let the perplexities in our minds give way to the heart, the center of who we are? While
each person has a unique personality, there is a possible solution drawn from an ancient
Church tradition.
The tradition of the early Christians who went to the desert found an important way to deal
with distractions. They would repeat a sacred word or phrase or a memorized prayer such as
the Lord’s prayer or the good shepherd psalm over and over again letting it reach the heart
with its surrender to God’s will. For example, “Jesus, come into my heart.” Even though
thoughts would creep into the mind, by returning to their prayer by saying it over and over
again, they would not let their thoughts control them. Each return would bring them back to
their desired intention. Eventually their focus on God even with a feeling of emptiness, would
be an invitation for God to enter their lives in a special way throughout their day.
The same process could work for us. By getting distance from our worries, we have the
opportunity to experience God’s presence in all we say and do.
- Do you find that your thoughts can become overwhelming at times?
- How to you deal the pressures you experience with perplexing thoughts?
- Could prayer from the heart help you during these times?
O God, lead me in my desire to pray from my heart.