Praying for Peace, Clarity, Love, Wisdom, and Calm

Dear Friends,

In this time of global suffering and uncertainty I've heard from several people they'd like to establish, or return to a prayer practice to support all the people affected by the war in Ukraine.  It's an excellent time to do this. And while prayer is very powerful it does not always replace our actions. We can support those fleeing the war, as well as those remaining in Ukraine through such organizations as Direct Relief, Mercy Corps, World Central Kitchen, and Save the Children. (And I'm sure there are many more, but these are a few I support.) 

Establishing some kind of regular prayer practice has benefits for others, and also for you.  There's evidence that the early morning is an optimal time to pray, but anytime will do. You can use traditional prayers, or extend your prayers through yoga or dance. Sing them, chant them, or beat them on a drum. Lighting a candle can send a prayer, or you might feel called to a traditional method like the Rosary. See what kind of prayer speaks to your heart. If you can pray each day at the same time that will be also be helpful. The regular habit of prayer begins to build a more potent field of support.

Praying in order to to extend qualities like Wisdom, Calm, Clarity, Justice, or Mercy, can be helpful.  Rather than asking for peace, can you BE the Peace and then extend that quality to those that are suffering?  (That way we avoid giving the Divine a "laundry list" of requests in our prayer time.) Starting with ourselves, find the Love ❤️, Wisdom, or Calm within, and then extend that quality to others

A regular practice of meditation, or Lexio Divina are also forms of prayer that restore wholeness, and they have a tremendous benefit for you and the world around you. I learned these from Contemplative Outreach and they have excellent online resources if you'd like to start there.

Peace is always present, even when it's deeply hidden. 

Sending you all lots of love!​