Arise and Abide
…free yourself a while for God and rest a while in him. -Anselm of Canterbury
Almost a thousand years ago, an Italian child was born with the same malady we moderns have. As he grew in stature and faith, he found it difficult to slow his thoughts and spend time with God. However, Anselm of Canterbury developed a prayer to help him slow his mind and focus his thoughts on seeking God. I share this prayer as a resource that helps me begin my prayers, whether daily prayer using my prayerbook or a half-day of prayer each quarter. I am confident you will find it as helpful as I have.
Anselm’s Proslogion (with steps for use)
Begin seated in a quiet place with an inspiring view. Repeat the following words until they begin to sink in:
Come now, little man,
turn aside from your daily employment,
escape for a moment from the tumult of your thoughts.
Then, with your hands in your lap, inhale deeply and exhale slowly three times. Continue with the next section of the prayer, saying it silently or out loud.
Put aside your weighty cares,
let your burdensome distractions wait,
free yourself a while for God and
rest a while in him.
Clench your hands on your lap, bring a concern to mind and then use the thumb of one hand to push that concern into your fist. Repeat with another worry, using your alternate hand. Continue with another concern, then another, pushing them into one hand and then another and imagining each fist becoming more and more full. Once you have put all of your conscious concerns in your clenched hands, turn your palms up and release your fists, holding your palms open, imagining the worries and concerns floating away from you and up to God. Feel your palm becoming cool, the peace of letting those things go, and sit silently for a moment in the calm.
Continue with the prayer.
Enter the inner chamber of your soul,
shut out everything except God and
that which can help you in seeking him.
Imagine your heart opening and freely sharing the peace and the calm. Breathe in nature, allow the birdsong or the silence to flow through you without analyzing or trying to take hold of it. Then, when you are ready, conclude Anselm’s prayer by saying to yourself:
Now, my whole heart, say to God,
“I seek your face, Lord it is your face I seek.”
Now begin your Scripture reading, review the inspirational quotes that draw you to God, or begin working through your prayers.
Enjoy! -Randy