Building Resiliency Through Faith

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”(Hebrews 12:1)

Social science research agrees that there are at least ten key components that build resilience. Two of the top ten are: regular prayer or meditation that calms the mind and body, and participation in a faith-based supportive community.  The need for community support is undeniable. Ever since primitive humans roamed the earth, working and living “in community” has been vital for survival.

This Hebrews passage is one of my favorites about being aware of the role modeling we are doing while living in community, while emphasizing perseverance, and doing what is good for the body, mind, and spirit. God has given us within the Bible an instruction manual for building up resilience. God leaves it up to us to faithfully apply these instructions to our own lives.

Notice how this scripture above highlights the importance of having “a great cloud of witnesses” around you, and throwing off the distractions and things that keep one from being healthy. And notice how it states: “and let US run with perseverance the race marked out for US.” The race in life is not marked out for just you and me, but for US! We are created to go through life in community with one another with the understanding that we are not alone and we are ONE with God who dwells in us and through our actions of love in the world that promote resilience, healing, and wholeness for all.

May you use the time of Lent to focus on doing what is best for your body, mind, and spirit - not just for your own benefit but for the benefit of the whole earth. May you turn to God’s instruction manual for healthy living. And may you find scriptures and prayers that inspire you to live as the Word prescribes for a faithful life that empowers you to endure the struggles that come along with life on earth. Trusting that: “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5: 3-5)

Our PCM Lenten Devotional is a good place to start: http://www.pcmorristown.org/files/Documents/Adult%20Education/2012%20Lenten%20Devotional.pdf

Centering Prayer and Resiliency Study

Centering Prayer and Resiliency Study

December 7 - January 16, 2012

“But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” (Matt.6:6)

Purpose: This 6 week program will study the influence of regular daily centering prayer on self-evaluations of resiliency.

Process: Participants complete a confidential survey prior to beginning and again after 6 weeks of daily 20 minute centered prayer. A daily journal is kept with brief comments on the experience of prayer each day.

Participants agree to follow these guidelines for the centering prayer project:

1.   Practice centering prayer daily for 20 minutes at a regular time of day for 6 weeks.

2.   Journal a brief description after each prayer time. (There may be no obvious “fruits of the prayer” but jot down a few thoughts.)

3.   Fill out a survey that measures resilience before and after the 6 weeks of daily centering prayer.

4.   The centering prayer practice is simple:

a.   Choose a sacred word or two as the symbol of your invitation for God to be present to you.

b.   Sit upright comfortably in a quiet place with eyes closed. Be attentive to your breath and breathe slowly deeply.

c.   Silently begin the prayer with your sacred word. If your mind distracts, gently return to your word to focus back on prayer.

d.   Open and unclutter your mind to “rest in God.”

e.   At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a few minutes as you re-engage with your surroundings.

For more information about participating in this study, please email: calloway@pcmorristown.org or call -- 973-538-1776.