A number of years ago, I read a thought provoking book called, Sleeping with Bread. The authors are Dennis and Sheila Linn and Dennis' brother, Fr. Matthew Linn S.J.
They write: During the bombing raids of World War II, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But, many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow."
The cover of the book gives the impression that it’s a children’s book. When I opened and read the book, I realized it’s a foundational spiritual practice that should definitely begin in childhood and continue through life.
The authors write: “This is the simplest book we have ever written. It is about asking ourselves two questions: For what am I most grateful? For what am I least grateful? These questions help us identify moments of consolation and desolation. For centuries, prayerful people have found direction for their day and for their life by identifying these moments.”
You may frame the questions differently and consider - When did my spirit soar today? When did I feel most alive today? When did I feel life draining out of me? Or, what was today's high point? What was today's low point?
This practice is very much rooted in the Ignatian tradition. Ignatian spirituality is one for everyday life. It insists that God is present in our world and active in our lives. It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others.
God is active, present and present to us at all times.
This link is a valuable tool for this spiritual practice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8QvBTj23ON4#at=111
Finally, Colleen has recorded David Haas’ version of the Lord’s Prayer as a gift for your evening prayer time. Thank you Colleen!
Rest well everyone.
They write: During the bombing raids of World War II, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But, many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow."
The cover of the book gives the impression that it’s a children’s book. When I opened and read the book, I realized it’s a foundational spiritual practice that should definitely begin in childhood and continue through life.
The authors write: “This is the simplest book we have ever written. It is about asking ourselves two questions: For what am I most grateful? For what am I least grateful? These questions help us identify moments of consolation and desolation. For centuries, prayerful people have found direction for their day and for their life by identifying these moments.”
You may frame the questions differently and consider - When did my spirit soar today? When did I feel most alive today? When did I feel life draining out of me? Or, what was today's high point? What was today's low point?
This practice is very much rooted in the Ignatian tradition. Ignatian spirituality is one for everyday life. It insists that God is present in our world and active in our lives. It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others.
God is active, present and present to us at all times.
This link is a valuable tool for this spiritual practice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8QvBTj23ON4#at=111
Finally, Colleen has recorded David Haas’ version of the Lord’s Prayer as a gift for your evening prayer time. Thank you Colleen!
Rest well everyone.
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