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'Maureen's
Musings'
 February 2015
With the growth in use of our website and our Facebook page (do
have a look if you haven't already done so!) I thought that some
of you would be interested to know of other Apps or websites
that I find useful and an aid to devotion on a regular basis?
With Lent fast approaching you may find it helpful to build one
or more into your Lenten observance?
Firstly, for
anyone who feels they are still feeling their way into faith
and into the Church - may I recommend 'Now a Christian'? This
is something run by the Church Army and if you sign up for it
(for free - as is all of what I will be recommending in this
article) - you will receive a daily email for a five week period.
The text is interesting and down to earth, but will gently lead
you to think about your faith in the context of your daily life
and encourage you to make connections. Although good for anyone
just starting out, it also makes a good simple refresher for
anyone more knowledgeable / experienced. Google "Now a Christian"
to find it (other search engines are available!)
Those who like
a more mystical / spiritual approach may appreciate a daily email
drawn from the writings of Richard Rohr. Richard is an American
Franciscan and theologian. He founded the Center (sic) for Action
and Contemplation which will again send you a daily meditation
- free of charge - although there are invitations to purchase
more of Richard's publications etc. Part of today's meditation
reads as follows:-
"How can we turn information into transformation?"
How can we use the sacred texts, tradition, and experience to
lead people into new places with God, with life, and with themselves?
As we develop the Living School, online courses, events, and
resources (like these Daily Meditations), we hold these goals
close, knowing that we can only invite and lead. The real work
of transformation is God's to do--and ours to accept.
Moving on to
apps; one really helpful way of keeping to a brief but regular
time of prayer is the Podcast known as "Pray as you go".
This is again Franciscan in origin, but don't let its Roman Catholic
parentage put you off (!) You will get some inspirational music,
a passage of scripture and some helpful questions to guide your
thinking and praying. All within a 12 or 13 minute daily broadcast
- something which we could all find time for at a time to suit
ourselves, surely?
And those of
you who use a tablet - ipad or similar - will find there is an
app - Daily Prayer - which gives the opportunity to follow a
more formal morning, evening or night prayer - all drawn from
Common Worship and with the relevant readings for the day already
'embedded' within it - so no need to keep fumbling between prayer
book and Bible! These prayers may also be accessed from the main
Church of England website - which contains all sorts of useful
material - again all for free.
'Prayermate'
is another app, which helps to organise your personal intercessions
on a daily basis to ensure that you pray regularly for people
or situations without forgetting or leaving out people you really
want to include.
And on a lighter,
humorous note (tho you will still find some deeper stuff included)
do have a look at the "Beaker Folk of Husborne Crawley".
Somewhat off the wall, but often helps us to poke fun at ourselves!
You can follow via Facebook or from their website.
This short
list is far from exhaustive - there are many others out there.
Maybe you know of others that you would like to share in these
pages? Or indeed books that you find helpful or inspiring? Do
let us know!
Happy browsing; happy praying!
Maureen
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