Spiritual Practice of the Week

Spiritual Practice of the Week

Compassion is a response to need. It soothes a broken heart, calms trouble and offers a cup of tea. Addressing the needs of ourselves and others with concern and love is part of being a committed human being and living life fully in God. When we take action for the well-being of ourselves and others, we are taking the biblical message of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” to heart.
There is also tremendous power in reaching out to another by holding them in prayer. Responding to someone’s needs with prayer takes compassionate action to a deeper place. Praying for another to be held in the love and grace of God, to know peace of mind, body, and spirit, brings you both into the place of meeting God.

This practice can be set up as a station during a spiritual practices experience or as a permanent part of your youth room sacred space.
You may already have a tea light stand. If not, create your own tea light holder by setting out a tray and filling it with sand. Place your stand or tray on a table beside a basket of tea lights, a Christ candle, and a taper candle to light the tea lights from. Have the following instructions available:

Light a candle for someone who needs a prayer
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4,5
As you light one of the t-light candles, focus on someone you know who is struggling in a dark place who needs your prayers.
Say their name aloud to yourself and light a candle for them.
Offer words to God for them.
Pray that the light will overcome the darkness in their life.
Your prayers on their behalf will make a difference.

© This prayer practice and all of those on the Sunday Morning Blog Post can be found in:  "Go Deep: Spiritual Practices for Youth Ministry" Wood Lake Publishing
Doris is the Youth Director for the United Church of Canada in BC.

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