I set out on my run this morning. It was a balmy 6° (after a spell of subzero temps), though the air was lightly seasoned with drizzle. I figured that a mist was easy enough to negotiate granted the appeal of a warmer atmosphere. The mist, however, turned out to be more like drizzler or even rain, and after about a third of a mile, I turned back. At least I got two-thirds of a mile in the metaphorical books.
Then off to St Nicolas’s for the 8:00 service, the first Mass I’ve said in donkey’s ears, which went well, all things considered. A cup of coffee and croissant in Costa in the square, then down to the river to pray at St Helen’s, which (once again) proceeded adequately. Both congregations have welcomed Margaret and me enthusiastically, and I’m cautiously confident that I can add something more than just clergy hours to parish life.
Now, however, it’s time to rest, perhaps even nap for a short while, before Evensong and home for dinner.
Hey. As you mention your prayer practice often here can I inquire as to what that is for you?
No problem, Chris. (By the way, I’ve been reading, appreciating, and mulling over your description of the two-loops model of change.)
As a priest, I’m canonically obliged to pray the Daily Office of the Church of England. I prefer doing that as a part of a community, whether in a college or parish; St Helen’s prays the Office at 9:10 in the morning (we pray Evening Prayer on our own). Then also I have an ever-growing prayer list: my family, close friends, the communities I serve (Abingdon parish and Oriel College), and people with urgent concerns. Beyond the Office and particular intercessions, I keep a chantry list of people whose deaths/lives I remember, for which I give thanks — I am a firm advocate for remembering our ancestors and benefactors. I likewise offer spontaneous prayers when particular matters rise to my attention, and sometimes (less often than would be helpful) I gather myself and spend time in contemplative prayer. Then too, there are my timetabled Masses; I’d be very happy to say daily Masses, but that’s not on St Helen’s agenda for the time being.
Oh, and I begin the day by saying the psalm verse, ‘Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness / Let the whole earth stand in awe of him’ (96:9), and I close the day by saying the verse ‘So teach us to number our days / that we may apply our hearts to wisdom’ (90:12).
Beautiful. Thank you. I often rue the lack of liturgy and common prayer in my United Church of Canada tradition. It’s a balance for sure, but I appreciate the Anglican/Episcopalian/Catholic practice of the Offices for the discipline and the structure of rhythm of prayer to the day, to the liturgical seasons and the cycles of life.
Thanks for following along on the Two Loops posts. The video link I posted has more of a theological slant to it and I have often taught it as a way of working with Psalm 139 in the life of a church.