As the covid crisis drags on and on (thanks, Delta variant), I admit to feeling exhaustion and discouragement – and sometimes, when I think about near impossibility of achieving global herd immunity or about covid wards filled to overflowing again, something close to despair. Now that we know that vaccinated people can catch and transmit the super-contagious and seemingly deadlier Delta variant, I also worry more about my 10-year old, who is too young to be vaccinated herself. Like many others, we were just venturing out into “normal” summer activities, like the community pool, the water park, and summer camp, and are now having to reconsider. (We actually did pull her out of summer camp, after compliance to the “always wear masks” policy proved to be, shall we say, problematic.)
When I’m caught in worry and fatigue, I can find it difficult to engage with Scripture prayerfully, rather than just see words on the page. Ignatian prayer tools like the Sacred Space app, which I use regularly, offer questions and prompts that help get through my mind and body fog, opening me up to an encounter with Jesus through the Word.
Our new guided contemplation on 1 Peter 5:7-10, which you can find on our website at soulspace.center, does something similar. It asks you to reflect on Scripture line by line, thought by thought, in a way that both breaks down Scripture into manageable chunks and expands on it, with the background of David Buch’s gorgeous ambient music to help quiet and ground you in the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you . . .
He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5:7, 10
How has God met you in the past? How can reflecting on your story with God bring you hope for the future? How can you give your burdens to Jesus, now, in the present? What prayer and other spiritual practices might help sustain you through tough times?
Our contemplation invites you into these questions, always in the context of God’s compassionate love and care. Listen and come away strengthened and refreshed. Or listen just before bedtime and let the soothing music and God’s presence carry you off to a peaceful sleep!
Thanks so much for continuing to listen to our work! I hope it brings you to a place of stillness, intimacy, and peace in your Creator.
– Carrie
Soul Space Center reflections are created by Janine Rohrer (writing, vocals), David Buchs (composing, sound editing), and Carrie Myers (writing).