Category: Finding God’s Goodness

Looking for God’s Goodness in contemplation and prayer.  The Breath prayer, says the Gravity Center, is an ancient Christian prayer practice dating back to at least the sixth century. Historically, it is associated with the Eastern Church, particularly Greek and Russian Orthodox churches. Known as the “Jesus Prayer” or “Prayer of the Heart,” early practitioners would repeat to the rhythm of their breath the phrase, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” In time, the prayer was shortened to, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy” or simply, “Jesus, mercy.” Breath prayer is a good example of “praying without ceasing” as St. Paul admonished us to do, and has the potential to become as natural as breathing. It is intended to be a very short prayer of praise or petition, just six to eight syllables. The words of the prayer can be easily adjusted to your heart’s desire.

Finding goodness comes from loving in the right order and trusting in God’s mercy. I am so inclined to sin and weakness, But I want to show my love for You today. I long for my recompense to come only from You, not from people’s applause. I’m learning that it’s really just between You and me.

Will I surrender to God today and mean it? There is beauty in a God-guided life. There is wonder in the feeling of being led by God.  There is the excitement and anticipation of realizing God’s bounty and goodness more and more and what God is planning for me. Wonderful are His ways—they are beyond my knowledge. Will I turn to the words of Jesus and find God’s goodness today?

There are three essential disciplines leading us further in the journey of spiritual transformation: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Finding goodness lives in the space of healthy boundaries (fasting) and giving to others (almsgiving).

When I PRAY, I find God’s goodness, the love and answers I need.

P – I praise God for the details of my life. Another day to fulfill my mission, to love my husband, children, and friends, to make a contribution at work, for the job that provides, for the food on my table are a few praises of gratitude I offer.

A dear friend of mine lost her husband about seven months ago and about a month after she was diagnosed with breast cancer needing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She just recently rang the final bell after completing her course of treatment. I’ve been amazed at God’s grace carrying her this awful time of sickness, grief, and multiple losses. She has cast herself into the arms of God and relied on the loving people in her life to carry her through this difficult time. 

Staying persistent in prayer is a challenge. But it is worth the battle as I’m finding the quality of my prayer life is directly tied to my finding God’s goodness.  It is the key which opens up my heart as well as the heart of God. 

Looking for God’s Goodness in contemplation and prayer.  The Litany of the Holy Spirit.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter and Helper to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth. . . . You know this Spirit, for it abides with you and will be in you. —John 14:16–17