Celtic Lent Day 14

It is enormous self-deception to believe that the time of prayer must be different from any other. We are equally bound to be one with God by what we do in times of action as by the time of prayer at its special hour...
It is only necessary to realise that God is intimately present within us, to turn at every moment to him and ask for his help, recognise his will in all things doubtful, and to do well all that which we clearly see he requires of us...In this unbroken communion one is continually preoccupied with praising, worshipping and loving God for his infinite acts of loving-kindness and perfection.
Brother Lawrence

As a Minister in Secular Employment, someone who feels a priestly call to the place and people where I work outside of the Church, it's central to my theology that I believe in whole-life worship; all that we do and all that we are forms part of this continual worship and communion.
All that we do praises God.
This doesn't mean I live a holy and blameless life but it does mean that every good decision and every bad, every cup of coffee on the fly and shared cake in the office, every short word, wrong decision, celebration and bereavement: each and every part of life, both in and out of work, is offered to God.

Scripture
Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24.35

Advent word - Be

Today's reflection from brother Curtis reflects so much of what it means to be an MSE (minister in secular employment); It's not about doing, it's about being. Nothing to see, nothing to measure, no outward signs or symbols of ministry. Being and acknowledging and without anyone even knowing bringing it all before God at the end of the day.

People in trauma need our presence and our prayer rather than our preaching. We will bear a much more comforting witness to someone facing deep loss by simply being with them, and in so doing, representing God Emmanuel – God with us – by our being with them. Not by our words, but by our presence.

-Br. Curtis Almquist

Be Aware of Others

Friday was a delightful day. Usually they are notorious for being the busiest day at work but for some reason this week it felt more like a weekend. When we're busy it can feel very solitary, moving from task to task and not being able to chat with colleagues or spend as much time as we'd like with patients.
Yesterday I had time to chat with both and it was a real treat. The team spending time together builds morale and helps people feel valued. Spending more time with patients gives you time to do all the "value added" stuff, or just talk with someone feeling lonely.
I love my job so much, even when it's difficult, and days like this are a reminder of what a tremendous team we have, with the most remarkable group of patients. Part of my routine at night is to pray for the people I've worked with and cared for. Last night my prayers were filled with joy and hope.