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I have spoken here before about the Communion of Saints and how all those living and dead who are in Christ are united through His Mystical Body.
I have also mentioned my deep friendship with St. Teresa of Avila, a mystic who lived 500 years ago. Teresa speaks to me mostly through books or prayers she’s written which I come across at just the right time.
Last Sunday was one of those times. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed, in a bit of an emotional mess, and I came across the following:
May I be at peace.
May my heart remain open.
May I be aware of my true nature.
May I be healed.
May I be a source of healing to others.
May I dwell in the Breath of God.
~Saint Teresa of Avila
When I read it, it was as though the prayer was written by Teresa specifically for me. It spoke to my soul and the desire I have for it in this existence. I picture Teresa in a dark room with a lantern near her, 500 years ago, writing these words for men and women down through the centuries, who are in need of some friendly wisdom.
And as the need arises now, I imagine her taking these words from here repertoire and sprinkling them on troubled souls from her place in eternity.
May I be at peace: This prayer isn't just for myself. When I pray for peace, I pray that I will live and breathe from a place of calm in the center of my being. And that I will pass that peace on to those I meet.
May my heart remain open: I must be vigilant about this. When I am hurt, or perhaps not feeling particularly people, it is important that I keep my heart, with all its wounds and scars open to the world. God uses broken hearts to minister to others.
May I be aware of my true nature: Writers on contemplative prayer speak of the true self/false self. The false self is the person we live from when we're wearing a mask in public or trying to please someone or, well, when we're just not being ourselves. The true self, on the other hand, is who we are at our core, who we were made to be and we catch a rare glimpse of it occasionally when everything in our life is lined up.
May I be healed: We have all been hurt in life. Some of those wounds are fresh and some of them cut deep. This request is a simple plea for my wounds not to interfere with being open to the vast abundance of Love that is out there. Even when we are hurt, Love is out there searching for us.
May I be a source of healing for others: I'll let you in on a little secret. This is my life's goal. In everything I do or say or write, I want to be the source of a little bit of healing balm on all those old wounds that my brothers and sisters carry around in their hearts and souls. Even when they are not open to it at the time, I hope my spirit, through the work of the Holy Spirit, will take away a little of that pain. I might not always get it right, but I keep trying.
May I dwell in the Breath of God: The ultimate goal for all those who seek to live a contemplative life. The three-in-one God is an indwelling reality in our souls, closer to us than our breath. May I, may we all, be aware of this and live this truth.
May this prayer transform all of our souls.
SPIRIT MATTERS is a weekly column that examines spirituality in The Times' readership area. Contact Jerrilyn Zavada at jzblue33@yahoo.com to share how you engage your spirit in your life and in your community.