Category: Spirituality

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” (Prov. 23:7  NASB).

Imagine with me for a moment.

You’re in a grocery store, and there’s a bunch of rude people all around you. The store is busy, it’s hectic, and you just want to get out of there. All of a sudden, someone pushes you from behind. You’re angry, you’re frustrated. You are going to turn aground and confront that jerk.

But when you turn around, all you see is a blind man who accidentally bumped into you. Instantly, your anger and frustration go away, and you feel sympathy. What changed?

The event is the same. You were pushed. But your interpretation of the event has changed. And that changed of judgment is what has changed your emotional state. You think differently, so now you feel differently.

It was Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, who said, “It’s not things that upset us, but our judgments about things.” It is not people who upset us, but our judgments about them. The event of being pushed didn’t upset the shopper, it was his or her interpretation that it was intentionally done by a jerk. Once the interpretation changed, the feeling changed.

One of the great lessons in life is to realize that feelings follow our thoughts. We can change the way we feel by changing the way we think. This is a great help in times of stress and grief and loss. How we conceptualize and judge the event, produces the way that we feel.

This great truth, that our judgments about events and people create the way we feel, is the basis of cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is the most successful psychotherapy that’s currently available for mood disorders. You can take that element of truth and apply it to your own life.

Look at the way that you feel, and examine the way you’re thinking. See the connection between your thoughts and your feelings. So if you’re feeling depressed and sad and lonely, stop and look at the way that you’re thinking. Notice how your thoughts are negative, how your thoughts focus on loss, on the pain. Now try to change those thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts, realistic thoughts, thoughts that build you up and encourage you. As a wise man once said, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is” (Prov. 23:7).

N., I lay my hands upon you
in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, beseeching our Lord Jesus Christ
to sustain you with his presence,
to drive away all sickness of body and spirit, and
to give you that victory of life and peace
which will enable you to serve him both now and evermore.
Amen.

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This is from the Book of Common Prayer according to the Episcopal Church.

O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly ask You to behold, visit, and relieve Your sick servant N. for whom our prayers are desired.

Look upon them with the eyes of Your mercy; comfort them with a sense of Your goodness; preserve them from the temptations of the enemy; and give them patience under their affliction.

In Your good time, restore them to health, and enable them to lead the rest of their life in Your reverence, and to Your glory; and grant that finally they may dwell with You in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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This is from the Book of Common Prayer according to the Episcopal Church.

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This is from the Book of Common Prayer according to the Episcopal Church.

The Leader and People pray responsively

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who
are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the
needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For [N. our Presiding Bishop, and N. (N.) our Bishop(s); and
for] all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.

Silence

The People may add their own petitions

Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Silence

The People may add their own thanksgivings

We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in
your eternal kingdom.

Silence

The People may add their own petitions

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Silence may be kept.

Leader and People

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant concludes with an absolution or a suitable Collect.

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This is from the Prayers of the People (Form VI) from the Book of Common Prayer according to the Episcopal Church.