My Life as a Franciscan
I wanted to share some music that I have really come to love. The first is a rendition of the Our Father in Aramaic. It’s beautiful.
Another awesome song is by Cloverton – God Help Me to Be. Honestly this song is more of a prayer and frankly gave me chills. It’s beautiful and I have added it to my personal prayer life.
Another beautiful song is Cloverton’s version of Ed Cohens Hallelujah…
I have others that I’ll post about later. I just wanted to share a few of my favorites.
So our next semester of the ESM classes has begun and this semester is exciting but a lot of work. Old Testament Exegesis for one class and the integration of chanting (Gregorian Style) into liturgy. This last one is one I am very excited about.
The Old Testament Exegesis course though is going to be a huge amount of reading and study. Especially with working full time. About 300 pages of reading give or take a hundred. (depends on how much is bibliography)
I will live in the way of the Order of Saint Francis of which I am a brother in postulancy. I will follow in my vow of Obedience by obeying the commandments of God and when I fall, I will ask forgiveness and try to do better. I will obey the instructions of my minister general for my religious order when they do not run counter to the commandments of God.
I will live in the way of Chasity by refraining from physical relationships. Praying and trusting in God to someday send me the one good person that he wants to share my life with.
I will live my vow of Poverty by not letting possessions or the desire for possessions control me. It is only by knowing that everything I have is from God that I can be truly poor and serve the lord. I will be generous, seeking not possessions but only God.
I will strive to be kind and love all creation as Jesus and Francis did.
I will participate in activities that help sustain my faith and walk with the lord. These include praying the daily office, attending church regularly and participating in the Eucharist, making quiet time for God, I will supplement my compline office with song that praises the lord. I will also read a minimum of two chapters of the bible daily.
I will strive to eat healthy and commit to my own personal hygiene and healthier lifestyle.
I will live my walk with Francis through prayer and volunteer work and through continuing education and seeking of knowledge. I will serve the under privileged at breakfast twice a month when possible. I will keep in mind the scripture in Matthew 25:40-45.
I will replenish my spirit with prayer and song and by continuing growth within my order. This includes studies prior to entering the novitiate, meeting at annual convocation and monthly meetings via teleconference for fellowship with my brothers. It also includes spiritual growth through attending classes at the Episcopal School for Ministry.
I will take my personal ministry as a call from God. A ministry of prayer for our religious communities and those who are sick or hurting. Using my skills to help my order and other religious communities with their technology needs. And in intercessory prayer for my Church, all religious communities, and my fellow brothers and sisters throughout the world.
This is not mine originally but I was so moved by it that I wanted to share it…
A Prayer of Abandonment
Dear God, I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
And all your creatures –
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my God.
–Charles de Foucault.
Thanks goes to my good Brother Andrew of the OSF for sharing this beautiful prayer.
It’s been a while since I last posted. I’ve been busy with work and esm classes and more work. I will work on doing more to post more often.
Tonight I have read chapters 9 and 10 of Matthew. Thank you Lord for your insight tonight.
Todays readings for me are Matthew Chapters 7 – 8.
I have found these chapters to be full of good advice. As people these days, we judge others too quickly. That goes for us Christians as well. This is a mistake as the bible clearly states not to do so. It does in fact give a pretty stern warning against it.
Further there is something else. Jesus tells us to ask and it shall be received. Knock and door will be opened.
One of my good brothers in the order has recently been praying for employment and today was offered the right job for him. After a great deal of prayer and asking for a job, he went to a career fair where he knocked on a door and today that door opened and his request was granted. There is great power in prayer.
Hope you all have a great night.
Today I read Matthew Chapters 5 and 6. One of my personal favorites has always been the beatitudes. Also how true is Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.”
The books I am working through for this Summer 2019 session include
Inwardly Digest – The Prayer Book As A Guide To Spiritual Life
Author: Derek Olsen
Where God Happens – Discovering Christ in One Another
Author: Rowan Williams, Archibishop of Caterbury with Forward by Desmond Tutu
Every Earthly Blessing – Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition
Author: Esther DeWall
St. Benedicts Toolbox – The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living
Author: Jane Tomaine
Life Together – The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
Author: Dietrich BonHoeffer
Today I read Matthew Chapters 3 and 4.