Photo credit: Albin Hillert/WCC
In today’s world, where noise and distractions seem endless, I often find myself craving a moment of quiet—a sacred space where I can connect with something deeper. A recent sermon I listened to explored the profound practice of centering through breath and the use of tactile objects in prayer, offering insights that left a lasting impact on me.
Reflecting on the Tradition of Sacred Objects
The sermon began with a fascinating story about old rituals in the Anglican Church of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly the “rosary masses.” Hearing about congregants who would kneel, clutch their rosaries, and pray continuously transported me to another time. It made me realize how deep the connection between physical objects and spiritual engagement runs. It’s a tradition that has crossed denominations, with practices like the Russian Orthodox apostilia—sacred items that people use as tangible connections to the holy.
The Tactile Experience of Engaging with the Holy
The message reminded me of stories from the Gospels, where people reached out just to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe, yearning for healing. This image resonated deeply, showing our shared human need to feel and connect physically with the divine. It also made me think about how objects, through repeated reverence and use, become sanctified and help us focus our prayers.
Discovering the Power of Centering Through Breath
The speaker then introduced us to an ancient practice called hesychasm, a Greek Orthodox breathing prayer. I tried it myself:
1. Breathing In: As I breathed in, I mentally repeated, “Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. Breathing Out: I followed with, “Son of God.”
3. Continuing: “Have mercy on me, a sinner.”
It felt grounding, almost as if I was syncing my spirit with the rhythm of my breath. The practice reminded me of the call to “pray without ceasing,” and I could imagine how, over time, these words would become part of me, echoing in my heart with each breath.
Embracing Eastern Inspirations and Spiritual Cleansing
Another breathing exercise caught my attention, one that drew inspiration from Eastern practices. This time, I imagined breathing in God’s light and breathing out everything that doesn’t belong—my sins, worries, or negativity. I closed my eyes, and as I visualized this cleansing process, I felt a deep sense of release. The light of God seemed to fill me, pushing out all that wasn’t meant to be there.
Taking a Moment of Stillness
The sermon reminded me of something so simple, yet so powerful: the importance of stepping away from life’s chaos, even if only for a few minutes. Jesus invited his disciples to come away and rest, and this call felt so relevant to me. I realized that just a minute or two of stillness can recalibrate my whole spirit.
Using Objects as Portals to Prayer
Holding something tangible while praying isn’t something I had always thought about deeply. But as the speaker encouraged us to use simple items like prayer beads, crosses, or even a piece of nature, I found a new appreciation for this practice. I picked up a small object and thought about who made it, its purpose, and its symbolism. Suddenly, this item felt more sacred, more personal, like a bridge to something divine.
Finding My Own Sacred Space
We ended the session with a moment of silent prayer, each holding our chosen objects. I sat there, breathing deeply, and I could feel a shift in my awareness. It made me realize that these objects can be powerful portals, always available when I need to reconnect with the divine.
Reflecting on the sermon, I felt grateful for these practices. They reminded me that even in the midst of a busy life, the sacred is always within reach, waiting for me to pause, breathe, and connect.
