Comments on: Welcoming prayer

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:14:22 +0000

In reply to PL.

I think the last line of the Welcoming Prayer addresses the action part:

“I open to the love and presence of God and His healing action and grace within.”

Being aware that healing is occurring, that grace is being given, can keep us alert us to that “next step.” It may be something we need to initiate; it may be a watchful waiting for what God will bring to us. But I consider the alertness itself to be a response. If that makes sense.

Another next step in many situations for me is to forgive. To forgive a person, to forgive myself, to forgive the circumstances, even to forgive God (even though he’s not at “fault”, but if I’m holding him accountable, even wrongly, I need to forgive him for what I see as an offense). And that probably makes even less sense. 🙂

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:07:56 +0000

In reply to PL. I like that you put "bad" in quotes because often we are not good judges of what is good and what is bad . . . Finding a way to be grateful no matter what is a learned skill and an invaluable one.

By: PL

PL — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 22:17:56 +0000

Being welcoming like this is very difficult and painful. But I think you have to be open and embracing if you are to understand.

The next step is to respond – or to act. Is there guidance for that?

By: PL

PL — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 22:14:55 +0000

In reply to Joe Pote.

+1 for 2nd and 3rd paras here.

I try to find a way to say thank you to God for the “bad” things that happen to me (as well as the good).

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 01:16:50 +0000

Thank you so much Lisa for writing this. I had taken a class last year where the welcoming prayer was taught but it had slipped from my practice. Your post was a great reminded of a wonderful prayer i wanted and needed. So glad we are on this journey together.

By: Amy L. Sullivan

Amy L. Sullivan — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 10:51:58 +0000

So, this idea is brand, brand new to me. I am more of a girl who sneaks a peek out the window, and then determines how I am going to meet each circumstance. I wonder what today would look like if I just said “welcome”.

By: bluecottonmemory

bluecottonmemory — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 05:39:07 +0000

Letting go of that desire to control – to change things – and yes, ride the wave – totally opposite of the way I have lived this life – it’s like free-falling – isn’t it – living His way! Thank you for sharing the prayer. There are so many wonderful things I haven’t read -and I am glad you shared it with me! Blessings to you, Lisa – hoping your wave riding is exhilarating this week!

By: Dolly@Soulstops

Dolly@Soulstops — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 03:48:30 +0000

Lisa,
Your post and the prayer you shared is just what I needed today with sudden changes and cancellations and disappointments …Thank you 🙂

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 03:09:09 +0000

Lisa, thank you so much for sharing! I love your point that surrendering is NOT “passivity.” Letting go so the Holy Spirit can meet us where we are, good or bad, that is where we find out how strong our faith really is. I have learned the hard way that those moments I most dread and attempt to avoid are the very moments that God does His most glorious work in my life!

By: David Rupert

David Rupert — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 01:33:17 +0000

This is interesting. When we “welcome” both the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult, the light and the dark, it gives an impervious attitude. No matter what we face, our God is able.