Along about this time of yr is when I do my spring cleaning.
It’s not just dusting above and about household furniture like regular cleaning. It’s more like shifting the huge stuff around and wiping every little thing down. A bi-yearly scouring.
A 16th century contemplative named Teresa of Avila was acknowledged for obtaining God in every day activities and mundane chores, like taking up a mop and a broom. In a column, Sheri Dursin writes “it’s completely probable to encounter God and devote time with Jesus, amidst the hustle and bustle of all we have to do.”
In Teresa’s individual terms, this is “finding God in the pots and pans.” In my coaching as a non secular director, I used a week of silent retreat. All through that time, I held a journal of prayers for my everyday functions, like cleaning the dwelling.
As I put these into apply, I had a near come across with God even though carrying out the dusting. Gracious and providing God, dust off the items and talents that have been sitting down stagnant. Assist me place them to use for your higher glory and the fantastic of others.
When wiping down counters, I prayed, most Holy God, create in me a clear heart and sanitize my soul. Develop up my resistance to selfishness and sin. Adjust and change us as we reside, find out and grow in your adore.
Undertaking the vacuuming, I made available up these terms. Merciful God, sweep absent my guilt and regrets. Empty out my dust bin so that I can breathe once more. Open extensive the door of my heart to the grace-filled existence of your Son and our Savior.
When spraying and washing mirrors and windows, I designed my plea, Lord Jesus, on people days when it’s really hard to glance in the mirror, may I see far more clearly that you adore me, “just as I am,” and that “nothing will at any time separate us from your appreciate (Romans 8:39).”
In putting out the trash, I implored, Good friend Jesus, enable me to lighten my load of needless agony and be concerned. Lord, grant me the peace I so normally forfeit when I really do not acquire this to you in prayer.
And in undertaking the laundry, my supplication was, Renewing and Restoring Redeemer, bring fragrance and freshness to the attire with which I dress my mind, human body and soul. Could your indwelling existence come to feel as thoroughly clean and smooth as the blankets I’ve just removed from the dryer.
Remember to place these to use as you see healthy, or far better nonetheless, go on a mini-silent retreat and journal some prayers of your possess. And write them with the same spirit of this prayer made available by Brother Lawrence, a 17th century devotee of Mom Teresa.
O Lord of pots and pans and issues, because I have no time to be a terrific saint by undertaking pretty items, or viewing late with Thee, or dreaming in the dawnlight, or storming Heaven’s gates, make me a saint by obtaining meals, and washing up the plates.
The Rev. Mark Katrick is at St John’s UCC.
This write-up originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Katrick: Becoming a member of God for spring cleansing