Stop. Praying. – Dr. R. Scott Colglazier

What a blessing it was to discover the writings of Dr. Colglazier.  Shortly after the first of the year, my Mother asked for assistance in getting signed up for his blog.  She explained that my Father would print out entries from the “Take a BREATH” blog while he was still living on this side of life.  Reading from my Father’s favorite theologians gives me comfort.  While most of Dr. Colglazier’s entries have spoken to me – this is one of my favorites.  I hope you find meaning in it as well. Peace be with you.

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February 21, 2013

A little suggestion . . . for a week or so forget about saying prayers or praying for others or praying for yourself or praying for world peace or even sending prayers of thanksgiving up into the sky and straight to the heart of God.

Instead, consider for a few days that how you treat other people is a kind of prayer. In fact, a real prayer to God. That the prayer you live is more powerful than the prayer you pray, and how you treat others is more revealing than any composition of words you call prayer.

If you feel grateful for another human being, then show them, tell them, and affirm their worth to you. If you’re grateful to God for the gift of life, then make life better for another person, including living with a little more joy yourself. If you care about the broken, the hungry or the hurting of this world, instead of saying a prayer about it, find a broken or hungry or hurting person and help them. Instead of praying to God about forgiveness, forgive someone. Instead of praying for someone in the hospital, go and visit them or send them a note.

Take a Breath today. The inclination to pray is such a good one, and I find myself praying more and more these days, but there are many ways of praying. Not the least of which is becoming more aware of how we treat others.

“Out of the Question” – By David Wilcox

Case closed. I was certain in my youth

God knows, I had my scientific proof

In my mind,  I thought I saw the truth

Never looked beyond my lenses;  never saw that it was you

Out of the question

So the answer I could never see

Out of the question

I look for you and you find me

Out of the question

You’re closer than the air I breath

But out of the question

And into the mystery

My heart – brings me to my knees

There’s God:   the forest for the trees

Move me,  like the wind will stir  the leaves

I give way to the mystery like the branches in the breeze    and I’m...

Out of the question

Catch the wind inside my fist?   No it’s

Out of the question

Try to trap you and I know I’ve missed

Out of the question

The place you will always be,   is

Out of the question

And into the mystery

Truth is there for finding, but the logic that’s involved

is a mystery  unwinding,  not a problem to be solved

Out of the question

I look for You, and You find me

Out of the question

In truth you will always be

Out of the question

You’re closer than the air I breath

Out of the question...   and Into the mystery!

© David Wilcox, all rights reserved

Here is an outstanding cover version of this song on YouTube –