Category Archives: Prayer

I Wonder What’s Under

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

As I listen to directees share their struggles and listen to my own, I notice that there’s a strata to our feelings and desires. Like an archaeological dig, the top layer–the first one we experience–gets our attention. It’s the hurt right under … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged Esther Hizsa, Luke 13:18-19, Mustard Seed, praying with our emotions, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Wendy Linnington | 3 Comments

What Am I Waiting For?

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

As I mentioned last week, stillness is not something I easily gravitate toward. When I do try to be still, fleeting and few are the moments when I’m “walking on water,” blissfully free from distraction. Even though I know (and teach) that God is … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Another day in paradise, Anthony de Mello, Arne Hulstein, Candles, Carlo Scherer, centering prayer, Christian Exercises in Eastern Form, Esther Hizsa, Geertgen tot Sint Jans, Imago Dei, John the Baptist, Sadhana, silent prayer, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 3 Comments

Walking on Water

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Jesus sends me off to pray in my boat of words. I begin to row. Even though I know he’s gone off to the hills, I look for him beside me, remember our hands touching, while he slept in the stern. … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Poetry, Prayer | Tagged Anne Yungwirth, centering prayer, Contemplative Outreach, contemplative prayer, Esther Hizsa, Father Thomas Keating, Living from the Heart, Matthew 14:22-33, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Ted, then, Walking on water | 1 Comment

DIY Retreat #7: Circle Me, Lord

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Here is another one-day prayer/silent retreat outline prepared by my friend Joy Richardson, a spiritual director in Coquitlam. You’ll find the introduction to DIY group prayer retreats here and other outlines under resources. CIRCLE ME, LORD After people have gathered, begin with a time of … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Prayer, Prayer Retreat Outline | Tagged Circle Me Lord, Circle Prayers, Esther Hizsa, Ignatian prayer, Ignatius of Loyola, Joy Richardson, Luke 13: 10-17, prayer retreat, Psalm 131:2, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Coquitlam, spiritual director Vancouver, Spiritual Exercises | 2 Comments

Praying in the Cracks

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Not that long ago, the idea of spending time alone with God in silence was not even on my radar. But God knew how much I needed this and invited me to “pray in the cracks.” This post was originally … Continue reading →

Posted in Homelessness, Popular Posts, Prayer, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged Christian Asuh, Creative Curator, elevator, Esther Hizsa, Holding Out Hope, Lesley-Anne Evans, Metro Community, old tapes, praying in the cracks, Regent College, Sistine Chapel, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Zephaniah 3:17 | 3 Comments

Cracked Open: Part Two

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

After the pharisee listed my faults publicly and loudly, I began to weep. It was all true. I prayed, “Lord God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” My heart cracked open. I was now painfully aware of the extent to which … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged Christ washing disciples feet, Dirck van Baburen, Esther Hizsa, Father Lawrence Lew, hope, John 13: 1-11, Kevin Lee, Luke 7:38-50, Newcomers Choir, Publican aand the Pharisee, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, suscipe, Take and Receive, Ted | 5 Comments

Cracked Open: Part One

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

“I’d like you to begin the retreat by praying with Psalm 139,” said Edmund, the young Jesuit who was my spiritual director for the eight days I spent alone with God. My room at Carmel Hill Formation House in Deroche opened … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged California Golden Poppy, California Poppy, Carmel Hill, Deroche, eight day prayer retreat, Esther Hizsa, Father Alwyn, Helen Chua Tiampo, Ignatian prayer retreat, Little Flower Monastery, Luke 18:9-14, Nan C. Merrill, Philip Bouchard, prayer retreat, Psalm 139, Psalm 51:17, psalm 91, Psalms for Praying, Publican and the Pharisee Icon, spiritual director Burnaby, Thea Rose | 6 Comments

Come

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

I returned from my eight-day retreat carefully cradling my tender heart. In the coming weeks, I will talk about what happened. It’s changed how I see and hear God, myself and scripture. Yesterday I read Matthew 7:21-27 and heard it in a new … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Popular Posts, Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Esther Hizsa, Henri Nouwen, Justin Kern, kingdom of God, Matthew 7;21-27, Pescadero, Rembrandt, Rolling Tempest, Show Me the Way, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, tender heart, The Return of the Prodigal Son, vulnerability | 6 Comments

DIY Prayer Retreat #6: Praying with Our Senses at the Beginning of a New Year

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Nearly every month I gather with friends for a silent retreat. It has been a rich experience. I explained how it works here. Thanks to Ann Green, who helped me put this retreat together. Supplies needed: Jelly Bellies (5 per person) … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer, Prayer Retreat Outline, Reflections, Resource | Tagged Abbey of the Arts, Anne Yungwirth, Beau Considine, Christine Valters Paintner, Esther Hizsa, First Bird Back, Gemma Rest, Gemma Trust, Gerald Manley Hopkins, Goldfinch, House Finch, Isaiah 43:16-19, Jelly Bellies, leaf, Living from the Heart, Lulu Lovering, Matthew 4:18-22, Pied Beauty, Psalm 34:8, seved mostafa zamani, SoulStream, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Coquitlam, Splash, The Artist's Rule, Visio Divina, Wicked Sushi | 1 Comment

DIY Retreat #5: When Israel Was a Child I Loved Her

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Here is another one-day prayer/silent retreat outline in the Ignatian tradition prepared by my friend Joy Richardson, a spiritual director in Coquitlam. You can find other outlines under resources. Here’s an introduction. “When Israel Was a Child I Loved Her…” Welcome God’s Presence … Continue reading →