Martin Luther is famously quoted as saying he prayed two hours a day unless he was busy, then he would pray for three hours. That seems counter-intuitive in some ways, especially if you think of prayer as a waste of time. Or tasting too much like a theology or belief system you don’t agree with. Or too daunting.

I am intensely busy these days, more than usual. I love my work. I love ministry with the UUFM that is and the UUFM that might yet be. And yet I find that I can’t face the work or focus on it when deadlines finally force me to turn my attention, not unless I spend time in deliberate spiritual practice.

Spiritual practice, as one of my mentors taught me, is anything that you do with intention, attention, and duration. You intend to do a thing (wash a dish, take a walk, pause for tea, pray). You do it with your full attention, gently bringing your mind back into alignment with your body when your attention has wandered. You practice, more than once, maybe even more than once a day. There are lots of words for this mindfulness, and lots of ways to practice it.

I know that I can face anything I must do when I begin with this spiritual practice and when I repeat as needed. I’m interested in your practices, what helps center you in times of pressure, pain, and frustration. This is yet one more way to build a strong and loving community. I am here to encourage your practice, as you remember, today and every day, that you are loved, you are worthy, you are welcome, and you are needed. May you feel it so.

Blessings, Rev. Rita