sacred journeys

As I have been preparing to speak at Kairos this weekend, I read the following…

“In doing this, we of course are not just counting on our own cleverness & ability but stand in expectation of help from the Spirit of truth who is constantly at work in the disciples of Jesus. We do all we do in the knowledge that we are working alongside him. Moreover, we do this kind of work hand in hand with the cultivation of the mind & spirit through art & imagination, poetry and song, praise, prayer, and worship. These all help our minds to lay hold of this God, this most lovable being in all of reality.”

This thought has been helpful to me, in preparation for communicating. It is so good for me to remember that I need not rely on my own cleverness or ability, but rely on help for the Spirit of truth.

Another thought that I read years & years ago, that I have gone over many times when I have prepared to speak at a conference - or wherever, is the following by St. Thomas.

It is said that he frequently recited this before he dictated, wrote, or preached.

Ineffable (too great for description in words) Creator,
Who, from the treasures of Your wisdom,
have established three hierarchies of angels,
have arrayed them in marvelous order
above the fiery heavens,
and have marshaled the regions
of the universe with such artful skill,

You are proclaimed
the true font of light and wisdom,
and the primal origin
raised high beyond all things.

Pour forth a ray of Your brightness
into the darkened places of my mind;
disperse from my soul
the twofold darkness
into which I was born:
sin and ignorance.

You make eloquent the tongues of infants.
Refine my speech
and pour forth upon my lips
the goodness of Your blessing.

Grant to me
keenness of mind,
capacity to remember,
skill in learning,
subtlety to interpret,
and eloquence in speech.

May You
guide the beginning of my work,
direct its progress,
and bring it to completion.

You who are true God and true Man,
Who live and reign, world without end. Amen