Positioning for Praise
Julie Conway-Sword of Gainesville, FL, USA
Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! -Psalm 150:3-4
A friend and I have been taking a beginning Argentine tango class. We are learning so much about body positioning-being ready to watch, listen, and feel the next expected responsive move to a specific cue from our leader, our partner.
We practice walking with heads held high, shoulders back, taking straight strides that expect the next beat. It reminds me of Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b. “…Walk proudly and with a quickened step. Be a joyful people. Laugh and play and sing, embodying the hope and freedom of the gospel.” We follow our partner’s lead.
At times we pause. Then my partner leans one shoulder forward, and we shift our weight to the ball of the matching foot. We walk a new direction. Then my partner leans the other shoulder forward; we balance on the other foot, and we walk that direction, continuing in this pattern.
What else am I learning personally? To wait, watch, and stand poised, ready to follow my leader. It’s like a spiritual practice in response to Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a. “…By the grace of God, you are poised to fulfill God’s ultimate vision for the church.”
I benefit from keeping my gaze upward-not watching my feet. Anticipating the next direction, I reflect on Doctrine and Covenants 159:8: “Then, as you gain ever more confidence in sensing the leadings of my Spirit, you will…move joyfully toward the fulfillment of the tasks that are yours to accomplish.” Let’s feel the rhythmic joy of God’s call!
Prayer Phrase
I surrender into your love, O God.
Spiritual Practice
Surrender
What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
