Long ago I came to terms with the fact that my particular personality is one that keeps me from keeping at something for a long time. I've tried to maintain a spiritual discipline at various times in the past but they've only lasted a short while - even though I've found them to be helpful. Therefore I'm feeling somewhat self-satisfied that I've kept at this particular Lenten discipline as long as I have - with only one late posting and one completely forgotten posting (although added after I realised it and had time to write and post an entry). I almost forgot again this evening, partly because it is a Monday, and partly because I was busy doing some other work.
Our Lenten discussion and contemplative prayer group met last night. With a certain amount of trepidation I suggested that we spend the last thirty minutes in silent, contemplative prayer. I said it with trepidation because I had no idea how long that would seem. Would it seem like a really long time? How would I judge the thirty minutes - not wanting to look at my watch too soon, but also not wanting to go way overtime (although I never thought that would be a possibility).One object of comtemplative prayer is to clear one's mind. This is easier said than done, and certainly as the leader and the time keeper, it is never completely possible to clear one's mind, because the timing issue is always there in some fashion.
Anyway, in order to get this posted before the stroke of midnight, let me say I was very surprised when I sneaked a look at my watch - with no idea how long we had been keeping silent, and discovered that it had been approximately twenty-five minutes.
I really appreciate the opportunity to spend that time in silent prayer - now I just wonder how I might be able to convince myself to make it a regular event.
Yellowknife,
March 15, 2010
