Matthew under the arm 88

Early this morning, at Columba's insistence (!), I met him by the fountain in the middle of the village. Two others came to join: a woman, I would guess in her fifties who lived in the village and by the look of her, not at all well off. The other was a young man whom we met on the pilgrimage yesterday. He was on his way back! Columba had obviously met them and asked them to come to this little group. I was so cold in the early 5.30am light. However, it was so still, except for the attractive percussive sound of the breeze among the sycamore trees. The young man started by asking for silence. The woman then spoke of her prayer life. Just once I interrupted before Columba put his finger to his lips. She was speaking of feeling physically restless in her prayer. I spoke of my restlessness. Columba simply said to me: 'Listen to Christ in this person.' Then we were silent as each spoke, including me in my turn.... Wonderful moment of gentleness, truth and simplicity! We never saw the man and the woman again. What did Columba share? He spoke of moments of deep anxiety in his prayer. Yes, Columba!


Matthew 18:19-22….
There is a key assumption behind Jesus insight into the essential practice of prayer. If two or three people give time to reflecting on their common circumstances, in each person confidence and perspective is deepened in praying, in ‘begging’ to perceive God’s loving presence in all things. It is out of this practice that forgiveness comes, not so much as a project but as natural response to the love given and received in the group. Because of the support and the inner depth gained by the sustenance that comes from others praying with us, the ‘impossibility of forgiveness’ (70 times 7!) is not the issue. So prayer and forgiveness are the basic practices of small but open groups of Christians. One is the essential resource; the other is the outcome of the way we are in Christ.


That My Prayer within you may be deepened in friendship and practiced in reconciliation


This sentence is best used if it is possible for you to be with a small group (no more than 3 or 4) of those who wish to deepen their praying. It is important to limit the time for the group so that you focus on the task of praying, as distinct from a social gathering. Begin with silence and stillness and help each other with it by radiating your desire for deeper prayer to each other. Then listen carefully, without comment or debate, to the concerns of each person in the group for themselves and others. It’s vitally important not to discuss anyone’s circumstances that are not in the group. Remember the direction of the group is towards the work of reconciliation. Then enter the silence again with depth and expectation.


+Martin
Argyll and The Isles