Opening Body Awareness Practice
With your eyes open, take and release three deep breaths. Let your breathing return to normal, and with the next out breath, gently close your eyes. Then feel the weight of your body on the chair, bed, or floor. Finally take a minute to do a body scan: noticing how the body feels as you scan steadily down from the top of the head to the feet, not trying to change anything, just noticing. Close the practice with another deep breath, in and out.
The Sarum Prayer
God be in my head—and in my understanding
God be in my eyes—and in my looking
God be in my mouth—and in my speaking
God be in my heart—and in my thinking
God be at my end—and at my departing
Breath Meditation Practice
Take some deep breaths: In through the nose, out through the mouth, three at least or more. As your mind wanders, return your focus to the breath. If you like, try placing one or both hands over your heart as you do this.
Psalm Portion for the Week
“I will appoint a time,” says God, “I will judge with equity” (Psalm 75:2)
Portion from the Prophets
(Isaiah 42: 1–4)
Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be crushed
until he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
Contemporary Words of the Prophets
“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.”—Cornell West
Breath Meditation Practice
Over the next minute, breathe in through the nose to the count of 5, and out through the mouth to the count of 6. Release any tension in the body with each out breath. As you notice that your mind has wandered, gently return your focus to the breath.
Prayer for Loved Ones
Devote a minute to naming your loved ones, thus presenting them in love before the one who is Love.
Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Gratitude Practice
Take a few moments to identify three things you are thankful for: whatever comes to mind.
Closing Sarum Prayer
God be in my head—and in my understanding
God be in my eyes—and in my looking
God be in my mouth—and in my speaking
God be in my heart—and in my thinking
God be at my end—and at my departing
Benediction
Go in peace, wash your hands, love your neighbor, you are not alone!