Prayer. It is more than just asking for things we want. It is essential for our happiness. To connect to Spirit replenishes our Spirit. Prayer is most powerful when done from the spaciousness of our connection to Spirit.
Rev. Patrick introduces the book of the month, Seven Thousand Ways to Listen by Mark Nepo, as he weaves together four principles of life through a poignant parable about an apprentice. The apprentice gains insight from his work in a bakery, winery, farm, and along the seashore. Through the stages, he learns what it means to be a sieve (sifting through flour is like sifting through life's experiences to get the finest things out of life), a strainer (if we're not careful, we can become "drunk" on the dregs of life, the negative experiences of our past), a funnel (directing water for irrigation is like connecting to Spirit), and a sponge (there is great joy in taking in whatever life is giving, and giving of oneself freely, without inhibition.)
