Calm

By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies.

Isaiah 30:15

I am doing a book study with my Centering Prayer group, Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God, The Practice of Centering Prayer, by J. David Muyskens. As the title suggests, it includes 40 daily meditations that focus on the vibrancy of Centering Prayer in the author’s daily life each including a scripture passage to be read and reflected on in the manner of lectio divina or divine reading. In this method, you read the passage and allow your attention to be drawn to a specific word or phrase. Then, reflect on the meaning of the word or phrase and discern God’s message to you. The author suggests journaling your reflections for an even deeper understanding.

As someone who journals almost daily, this practice resonates with me and I’ve decided to share my thoughts on each meditation in this blog. The first word to speak to me in this practice is “calm.”

Calm is something I strive for. People often say I am a calm person, but I’m also good at faking it when deep down I may be panicked, upset or unsettled. In that state, it is hard to make decisions, say the right thing. It’s hard to feel the gentle pull or push of the Holy Spirit, to hear the quiet whisper of the God who loves me, wants to help me, direct me, be with me.

When I create calm within, I am peaceful, focused, even in the midst of chaos or confusion. When I center my calm on God, draw my calm from God, I have faith and patience that all will be well. Breathwork, yoga, meditation, walking bring me to a calm state. Centering Prayer brings me to the Calm within, the God within. As I become more authentically calm, deep down, not just at the surface, I am better able to hear with my heart the loving words of God, feel with my heart God’s ever presence, see with my heart what God wants for me, wants from me.

Dear God, you are calm in chaos, peace in disruption, wisdom in confusion. You are within me, waiting, always accessible. Guide me to your peaceful waters within so that I may do your will, know your love, be your peace for those around me. I do not know what lies ahead, so help me to live in the present in grace, love, trust and calm. Amen.