At the end of July during IHM community days we were invited to share in groups of two or three about our personal prayer, how it nourishes and challenges us. Sisters Sandra Schneiders and Julie Vieira composed my threesome. Sandra shared that she begins each day with a prolonged contemplative time, including quiet prayer, reading, journaling and, of course, reflection on the Scriptures of the day. This time is sacrosanct for her. Julie said her daily prayer too included quiet and reflection on the Mass readings, adding that she is noticing often being drawn to prayer in her encounters with people and in the little glimpses of nature that capture her attention. I shared that I too always begin with letting the day’s Mass readings touch my experience. In addition my prayer includes a practice of Ignatian Examen. Looking back at the last day I notice times of deep freedom and openness when I was obviously moving in the flow of God and I sit in gratitude. In the replaying of the day, times of unfreedom, scatteredness, resistance surface as well, prompting me to reflect on what God is inviting me to.
Sharing with Julie and Sandra touched me deeply. What a treasure it is to share faith with my sisters. This is part of IHM prayer. In addition I had this image of all of us IHMs sitting quietly with the day’s Scripture in chairs in many different states and a few different countries, but united in IHM prayer.
