Something to Think About – Prayers from the Desert Mothers
For the first 300 years after the time of Jesus, Christianity was not an accepted religion in the Roman empire. If we ever think – or read – about Christians being persecuted for their faith, it would have been during this time. By the mid 4th century, however, Christianity was fully embraced by the Romans and men and women began leaving their cities and towns to experience solitude in desert and wilderness areas. It was thought that by detaching oneself from earthly things – home, family, possessions etc.… - one could achieve oneness with Christ himself. After all, Jesus said “Sell what you have, give the money away and follow me.”
Though these Desert Mothers and Desert Fathers appeared in different places around the Mediterranean Sea, those from Egypt are the most well-known. In the wilderness, some lived alone, in caves or other simple dwellings they could find. Others lived in small communities with others who had also left the populated areas for the quiet of the desert. In fact, what we know as monasteries today had their origins in these communities from the desert. From these Desert Mothers and Desert Fathers, sayings have been handed down, espousing wisdom learned from the desert as well as prayers inspired lessons learned from the solitude.
Since our focus this month in worship is prayer, I wanted to share a few special prayers here. These are three, inspired by the Desert Mothers from Mary Earle’s book, “The Desert Mothers: Spiritual Practices from the Women of the Wilderness.” Feel free to use them (and/or adapt them) in your own prayer life as you might be moved to do.
(A prayer to refrain from judgment)
God of all mercies, draw me ever deeper into the mercy in which I live and move and have my being. Grant me the courage to have mercy on myself and on my neighbor. Deliver me from judging harshly. Gentle my heart, for your love’s sake. Amen.
(A prayer to accept God’s love)
Gracious God, you have created me in your image and likeness, and I will thank you because “I am marvelously made.” Grant me a deepening desire to sit still with you, and to begin to know your love for me. Amen.
(A prayer to be still and trust God)
Gentle and loving God, I desire to be still and know that you are with me and within me. Grant me the wisdom to allow my soul to be quiet and confident, trusting that you are doing better things in me than I can ask or imagine. Amen.
Blessings – Michael