Monday, March 10
Praying the Rules of Methodism
Lent is a time of reflection and growth, a time of working to leave old, debilitating habits behind and growing into a new way of living, full of abundance and grace. The rules of Methodism give us a way to aspire to be better people and to hold ourselves accountable to the changes we wish to make. Lent gives us a season, a defined period of time, to focus on spiritual growth. I invite you to join with me during the season of Lent to pray the rules of Methodism each morning when you wake up. The morning prayer goes something like this:
Dear Lord, in this day, help me to do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.
Maybe tape these prayers on your bathroom mirror, or someplace where you will be reminded each day to say the prayers.
The evening prayer invites reflection:
Dear Lord, in this day have I done harm? Have I done good? Have I stayed in love with God?
I have done this practice off and on for over 20 years and I have to admit to you, that regularly when I pray, “Have I done harm?” the answer is “Yes, I’ve lost my temper or spoken harshly or not been as kind as I might have been.” In my reflection, I can add to the prayer, asking God to strengthen me so I don’t make the same mistake again, and apologize to someone, if necessary. Luckily, when I pray, “Have I done good?” there are usually actions I can celebrate where I did the right thing. I ask God to help me continue those actions. Lastly I pray, “Have I stayed in love with God?” That’s a tough one. How can you tell? Well, for me, if I have not thought of God since my prayer in the morning, I haven’t. This reminds me that God is with me throughout my day in a thousand little ways, and that it is important for me to notice and acknowledge that, just a simple thank you, saying grace at lunch. It doesn’t take much, but it is vitally important to remember that God as the Holy Spirit is in you and with you always, willing to help and guide you if only you ask. Blessed be God, day by day. Amen.
Rev. John Gilmore