Many IHMs have formed reflection groups that meet regularly to share community, fun and prayer. A dear friend of mine in another community often says, “Your sisters really make time to get together.” Oh, yes we do! I belong to a reflection group that is very precious to me. We take turns hosting the gathering, providing the meal and preparing the prayer/reflection. Last Sunday one of our sisters led our prayer and reflection. She posed wonderful questions like, “What is your name for God? Who is God for you today? Has your image of God shifted during your life?” Sister handed out the above “wordle” based on scripture (with the help of google searches!), her prayer and her own imagination to spur our reflection on our own image of God. After considerable time of quiet, a rich sharing ensued. Responses began with words like Mystery, Spirit, Creator, Jesus and then moved into reflections on how God is present to each of us in our lives now.
How about you? Do the above questions evoke a response in your heart? I’d love to hear about it.
In case you’re intrigued by wordles, here’s the website: www.wordle.net. Enjoy!
inclusive language and wonderful variety of readings from Scriptures, writings of the saints and other spiritual leaders. Other sisters use this resource for their private prayer. In case you’re unfamiliar with it, in broad strokes the Office includes three psalms, a reading, quiet reflection, intercessions, and a closing prayer. Is this “Work of God” part of IHM prayer? Yes. Our sisters at the Motherhouse pray the Evening Prayer from the Office every day. From the rich ground of Scripture some sisters have moved to concentrating on just one psalm or using a favorite short prayer to lead into contemplation. Others focus on the scripture of God’s movement in their lives. All is rooted in the word of God. It is all the work of God.
