The Online Society of St. Barnabas

Christ the King

The ruins of Tintern Abbey, founded in the 12th century and located along the English/Welsh border; perhaps most famous from the poem by William Wordsworth

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I ginked my back this week.

I was doing something I’m told is foolish, walking around the roof of the Pleasant Shoreline Bungalow™ with a leaf blower cleaning out the gutters. Coming off the roof onto a ladder, I made a slight misstep.

I might be too old for this.

So, I can’t stand for long, or sit for long, or drive too far. About half the exercises I do at the gym are not currently possible. I can walk for about a painful mile, no more. Heck, I steel myself when I have to lift a fork.

I am a real champ, however, at lying flat on the floor.

This time supine allowed me to consider prayer posture and how we get rather proprietary about our style. In fact, our position during prayer becomes that to which we adhere, sometimes with an unfortunate stubbornness.

It’s always interesting to examine the physical attitude [in the artistic sense] that we adopt in order to participate in metaphysical communication.

We are taught a certain pose, usually in childhood, often use it to hold onto a valued tradition [such as standing or kneeling during a liturgy], and sometimes reluctantly adjust it with age.

[Look up the term “surfers knots” to gain a clue about how I regard kneeling in my advanced years.]

So, I thought it would be interesting to look at the physical aspect of prayer and its history this coming week after Thanksgiving, with consideration as to how a change in posture can alter and even improve our pursuit of prayer and meditation.

In addition, we will look at another mystic this coming Mystic Monday, and perhaps offer a brief travelogue and disturbing recipe on Thanksgiving Day.

Also, if the video equipment cooperates, we will post the three quiet day meditations for Advent next weekend.

As long as I can do all of this flat on my back, we’re aces.

___

In our weekly intercessions, I would ask your prayers for the following:

G, in thanksgiving for his release from prison and the re-building of his life
A, as she looks for new work
E, for order in her marriage
M, for continued healing
N, that continued chemotherapy will sustain her
R. for relief from old trauma
J, that she may continue to rejoice in reunion with her children
S, as he travels
For the victims of The Church of England's indifference
A, incarcerated and abused by her malevolent government

A Collect for Christian Service:

O God of all, whom the entirety of heaven adores: Let those who also serve among the discarded people in the unruly portions of the world know your grace-filled providence until all tongues may proclaim your holy Gospel in peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   [© all rights reserved]

Please send along petitions and thanksgivings and they will be shared within our community.

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This week’s book recommendation:

The “O Antiphons” are worth a look for those of us desirous of expanding our appreciation of the approaching season. A slim volume of only 128 pages, it bears the quality of other publications of Forward Movement, the folks behind Forward Day By Day.

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Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:16-17

Until our quiet day next weekend, may God and Mary and St. Barnabas be with you.