By Ron Harmon, presiding bishop

Therefore, continue to be strong in faith. To you who hear my voice and know my promises I will reveal myself and give my peace, even in the midst of your uncertainties.

I grew up singing “Spirit of the Living God” at campfires and retreats. The lyrics seemed to open something inside me and invoke a deeper yearning. The song shaped my understanding of the spiritual journey for many years. For me, divine encounter was an active process of head and heart. Specific actions led to specific outcomes. I was in control of the process.

Life’s challenges have a way of testing our assumptions. What happens when songs and words of times past fail to stir our hearts or create receptive space in the dry desert of our souls? What happens when that for which we yearn most seems no longer attainable? This inward reality led me to centering prayer. Cynthia Bourgeault writes, “Basically, the method of Centering Prayer consists in learning to withdraw attention from our thoughts—those incessant creations of our busy minds—in order to rest in a gentle, open attentiveness to divine reality itself” (The Heart of Centering Prayer, Shambhala, Kindle Edition, p. 13).

Bourgeault’s words were both revelatory and perplexing. If I totally relinquish control, even my capacity to think, how will I know if God showed up? What does it mean to create receptive space for the Spirit’s transformative work? My first experience with centering prayer lasted for 10 long, meandering minutes. My thoughts were all over the place. The experience revealed my captivity to my own thoughts.

I continued to study and experiment with this practice. I became more comfortable letting go of my thoughts and resting in a posture of trust. When I engaged in the practice, I was more present, thoughtful, and comfortable in my own being. Although I could not identify a specific “spiritual” experience during the practice, I could not deny something significant was happening within.

As I continue my journey, I remember the One who found clarity in desert places and embodied the ultimate act of letting go. I struggle daily to follow Christ’s example of finding clarity in desert places but find hope in the gentle yet persistent invitation to new life, hope, and inner freedom.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Deepening Roots

A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.