Category Archives: Prayer

Eight Weeks to the Promised Land

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

Are you wondering how I am doing since the big announcement? (If you didn’t hear the news, I will not be working at New Life Community Church after December 31. You can read more about that here). I too wondered how I would fare in … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer | Tagged Alice Popkorn, busyness, confidence to carry on, Daniel Ladinsky, discouragement, Exodus 33:12-14, Hafiz, Just Sit There Right Now, Love Poems from God, Moses, praying in the cracks, Red Sea, Sitting in Silence, St-Takla | 1 Comment

Just Be Still

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

“Be still, and know that I am God,” says the psalmist. Nearly every Thursday evening, our contemplative group gathers to do just that. Of course there is time for fellowship, reflection and songs, but we also pray in silence for … Continue reading →

Posted in Mindfulness, Mystical, Prayer | Tagged be still, centering prayer, Cloud of Unknowing, Ephesians 3;20, Jessie Wilcox Smith, Kelly Dycavinu, Knit Together, Moonbeams, Psalm 46:10, silent prayer, William Johnson | Leave a comment

DIY Prayer Retreat #1: What God Has Given, What God Is Doing

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

Introduction: For a couple of years our contemplative group has been having one-day prayer retreats that are simple, wonderful and free. Up to eight of us have gotten together at one time. We bring our own lunch and meet for a morning or a … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Popular Posts, Prayer, Prayer Retreat Outline, Resource | Tagged A Daisy Day in May, Alice Popkorn, Anthony de Mello, Brent M., DSC_0678, e.e.cummings, gratitude, Greg Boyle S.J., I THANK YOU GOD FOR MOST THIS AMAZING, Lian Yu, Matthew 7:7-11; Matthew 6:30-34, Morning Prayer, prayer retreat, silent retreat, Sitting in Silence, SoulStream, Tattoos on the Heart, to have a morning..., Travis | 4 Comments

Is Contemplative Spirituality for Everyone?

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

From time to time I have been asked if I believe contemplative spirituality is for everyone. Those who ask confess that they find it difficult and unrewarding to sit still. They experience God much more in doing things. “I’m just not wired that … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Prayer | Tagged Alan P. Tory, Celtic Daily Prayer, contemplative, Henri Nouwen, John 17:20-23, Kathrin Burleson, Michael Ford, Northumbria Community, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 63:1, Quiet Solitude, Return, Wounded Prophet | Leave a comment

Me and My Shadow

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

I am hesitant to confess this to you, because when I do, you will find evidence that it’s true. And where that leads, well, that makes me both nervous and hopeful. So here it is: I am pretty self-centred. I often put myself … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Mystical, Prayer, Stories | Tagged Daniel Bonnell, David Benner, Glimpse of and Angel, Lolowaro974, Me and My Shadow, Noon Prayer, self-centred, self-centredness, Shadows, snuggling up to God, SoulStream, Surrender to Love | 2 Comments

God Is in Love with You

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

“Ask Christians what they believe about God,” David Benner writes in Surrender to Love, “and most have a good deal to say. However, ask the same people what they know about God from direct personal experience, and most will have … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Prayer | Tagged Anne Yungwirth, Daniel Ladinsky, David Benner, David Benner. Surrender to Love, experiencing God's love, God's love, God's love for you, Hafiz, Love Poems from God, Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying, Ready to Burst, Two Giant Fat People | 3 Comments

A Retreat with God

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

As I prepared to go to Bowen Island for a three-day retreat, I got a divine nudge. “Leave your laptop at home,” God seemed to say. “Just come and be with me.” But I couldn’t possibly write much without my electronic friend. Hmm. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Popular Posts, Prayer, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged Bowen Island, Fresh Wind Press, God's love, Jeremiah 31:3, Kathrin Burleson, Mike Stewart, Neil Brock, No Crowds Present, rest, retreat, work | 1 Comment

Go Pray Outside

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed,” Jesus said, “But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Similarly these vibrant evergreens have each grown from a single seed buried in the earth. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation, Popular Posts, Prayer, Songs | Tagged Earth Day, Forest, Genesis 2:15, John 12:24, Luke 10:27, Maltbie D. Babcock, prayer, Rain Drop, resurrection, Texture, This is my Father's World, Twila Savigny | 2 Comments

Free as a Bird

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

Finally it’s January. The New Year brings me closer to spring and the possibility of more emotional energy. Dark December is always the hardest month for me. I keep praying that God will increase my desire for him, but other … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Songs | Tagged Anne Yungwirth, Cloud of Unknowing, Crohn's, Geometric Shapes, Jeremy Braacx, naked intent, Rick Vugteveen, swallow, View from My Hospital Bed | Leave a comment

Incarnation: Some Assembly Required

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

Incarnation: Some Assembly Required I open my door to welcome all that You are and PUT everyone comes in anxious thoughtful joyous distraught expectant ANGRY PUT (with compassion crushing PUT blame baring PUT vulnerability) lost God unassembled I feel Your … Continue reading →