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Writer's pictureRev. Ani

Seeing the Face of God

Poems From The Porch



So often I have failed to recognize You,

Breath of my breath,

for I have

been enchanted by your love notes

left unashamedly all around me

in the beauty of the Earth

and the comforts of my home;

been distracted by the things that are mine to do each day,

absorbed in the necessary duties

and passionate endeavors.

And You,

I have cherished when it is convenient

or it has served my purposes,

looked for you in some abstraction

or theological concept.

Would that I might recognize You every day

where you have hidden Yourself so unobtrusively

in the face of each person I encounter

and so treat You with the reverence

You deserve.


 

Engaging With The Poem

Poetry can be a doorway to the soul and your own creativity. Throughout the ages, the written word has been used as a means to access personal truth and as a vehicle for prayer through the practice of sacred reading (lectio divina). I encourage you to try this beautiful practice and let its fruits be self-evident.

How to Practice Sacred Reading

· READ · REFLECT · RESPOND · REST

Read the passage through slowly more than once, noticing how it feels in your body and the response of your heart.

Reflect: What word resonates with you? What phrase speaks to you? What overall personal meaning comes to you? Allow yourself to follow a tangent.

Respond by making space for the prayer of your heart to manifest. Write down the words and/or phrases that resonate with you and allow them to arrange themselves into your own poem or prayer.

Rest with your eyes closed, perhaps using the word that most resonates with you as your mantra for silent meditation.


 

Dear friend,

May your mind be peaceful and calm, may your body be relaxed and comfortable, and may your heart be filled with love.

Thank you for reading.

Blessings and gratitude, Ani

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