Uniting Through Christ

Recognized for Building Community

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:18:31 PST

As recently cited in Spectrum, an insert to Madison Magazine:

"On the outskirts of town is a faith community that is leading the way in promoting land conservation and environmental justice. The Holy Wisdom Monastery, led by the Benedictine Women of Madison, is nestled among prairie land and rolling hills overlooking Lake Mendota just north of Madison. It is an ecumenical society of sisters (they were formerly Roman Catholic until they changed the rules of monastic living by opening their doors to sisters of other denominations) who provide spiritual guidance, retreats and prayer opportunities for anyone of any faith...."

Perspective on Stability

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:47:00 PST

Stability means staying with the same group of people over the course of one's life as a monk. Stability provides ample opportunity and the necessity to develop the skills and compassion to work things out with others. Remaining stable allows one to make the interior journey of conversion of life. Stability provides us the grounding to change.

Remember mercy

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:43:02 PST

Benedict calls for the Lord's prayer to be said every day to remind us of the need to forgive one another and ourselves even as we have been forgiven. Benedict says, "never lose hope in God's mercy." (RB 4:74)

Centering Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:59:45 PST

Imagine two friends sitting in silence, content to simply be with one another. They have a sense of calm and comfort in the ease of their relationship. Centering prayer offers this same feeling.

Part of an ancient contemplative tradition, centering prayer allows individuals to turn within and rest in God’s presence. The practice can be particularly rewarding for individuals caught up in the demanding details of daily life or caring for others. In as few as five minutes, you can connect with the inner peace of God and experience renewal.

Whether practiced individually or within a group, the rhythm of centering prayer can contribute to both mental and physical wellness.

• Find a quiet place. Assume a comfortable sitting position, keeping your back straight and feet on the ground. You may find it helpful to set a timer to mark the prayer period.

• Relax and quiet both your body and your mind. Follow your breathing. Close your eyes and gently become aware of your deepest center.

• Choose a single, sacred word of one or two syllables. The word may be a name you call God (Lord, Jesus, Abba, Father, Mother) or a word that speaks to your understanding of God (Love, Faith, Peace, Trust).

• Say your word inwardly and focus on God’s presence in you. When you become aware of competing thoughts, feelings or sensations, gently return to your sacred word.

• At the end of your prayer period, remain in silence for a few minutes allowing a favorite saying or prayer to speak itself to you. Slowly open your eyes.

Centering prayer cultivates a capacity to be cared for and accept help more readily from others, as it attunes practitioners to Christ’s presence elsewhere in their lives. Over time, centering prayer brings a relationship with God from the awkward stage of acquaintance to a level of friendship where being in each other’s company, even in silence, is deeply satisfying.

Perspective on Obedience

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:49:00 PST

Obedience is a response to listening to the Word of God in scripture and one another. The Latin words for listening and obedience come from the same root. Our listening to God's word is meant to result in concrete action in our lives.

Sister Lynne on Unity.fm

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:23:19 PST

Sister Lynne is live on Internet radio! On Monday, November 10 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. (CST), she’ll follow in the footsteps of spiritual trailblazers as a featured guest on The Leading Edge with Mindy Audlin.

Sister Lynne will share her revolutionary journey from Presbyterian minister to Benedictine Sister, offering everyday tools for your spiritual journey.

Listen for…
• Introduction into Benedictine prayer practices
• A guide to Lectio Divina, prayer of the hours
• Spiritual guidance from the Rule of Benedict

How to listen to Sister Lynne live on Unity.fm:

Visit the Unity.fm homepage and the streaming content should begin to play. If it does not, you may need to install a newer version of Windows Media Player. Unity.fm is optimized for Windows Media Player versions 7, 8 or 9. Mac Users will need to download Windows Media Player 9, and can do so by clicking here.

Meet Sister Lynne
Sister Lynne Smith was called to spiritual life as a young girl, telling her mother that she wanted to become a nun when she grew up. While her mother told her that only Catholic women could become nuns, Sister Lynne continued to feel a call to give her life in service to God and others. After over 15 years as a Presbyterian minister, she found her heart’s home in the monastic community Benedictine Women of Madison. In 2000, she made her profession to the community as the first Protestant member.

Prayerful Listening

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:53:00 PDT

Lectio divina is a prayerful reading of scripture, a way of spending time with the Word of God. Readings are slow and deliberate, allowing the Word to resonate within one’s heart and mind. The process itself has a rhythm that allows individuals time and space to find spiritual meaning beyond the literal text.

Lectio divina differs from traditional Bible study, spiritual reading or prayer because it requires a more concentrated interplay between listening, reflection and application of a specific passage.
When done on an individual basis, the process is organic. An individual follows the ebb and flow of their conversation with God, traversing through spoken word, gentle repetition, reflective prayer and rest. Throughout the process, the individual may feel challenged as God’s word touches one deeply.

When done as a group, the process becomes more structured into phases:

• During the first reading, the passage may be read aloud twice while each person gently listens for the word or phrase that speaks to them and touches their heart. After a period of silence, all share the word or phrase that has touched his or her heart.

• During the second reading (of the same scripture), an individual meditates on how the chosen word(s) touch their life. After personal reflection, individuals share how they have heard or perceived God reaching out to them.

• The third reading is followed by prayer about how the individual is being called to act in their daily life. The individual may then spend time in contemplation with God before praying for the person next to them.

Lectio divina seeks to teach more than the skill of listening. It teaches about the person within and allows individuals to unite with God. By making time in daily life for lectio divina, individuals can connect with their inner being, nurture a bond with God and create a strong relationship with Christ, ultimately resulting in a sense of clarity and understanding for their place in the world.

Ecumenical dialogue at Holy Wisdom Monastery

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:15:15 PDT

Is it possible to commit to more than one faith tradition? This October, nearly 40 people gathered at Holy wisdom Monastery to explore a cross-cultural phenomenon – multiple religious belonging.

Imagine a religious supermarket. Spiritual traditions of all shapes and sizes line the shelves. Will you choose just one to meet your spiritual needs? Or will you pick and choose among many to find nourishment?

Listen to Catherine Cornille, associate professor of comparative theology at Boston College, explore these questions and describe the different paths that can lead to spiritual wholeness.

Click here to download this presentation in iTunes.

Hospitality for all

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:40:00 PDT

Hospitality is rooted in the belief that Christ is present in the other. Benedict says Christ is especially present in the abbot or prioress, the guest and the sick. Hospitality at Holy Wisdom Monastery is manifest in inviting guests to prayer and the Eucharist and having Liturgy of the Hours prayer books that are easy for a newcomer to follow. We also practice hospitality by inviting guests to meals and to retreats. Our practice of inviting co-workers, volunteers, oblates, Sunday Assembly, Community of Benedict and others to participate with us in our work and prayer comes out of Benedictine hospitality.

Perspective on Spiritual Guidance

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:51:01 PDT

Spiritual guidance offers a faith-centered and confidential conversation in which you can become more attuned to God’s presence. You might come to spiritual guidance to reflect deeply on your experiences or to integrate spirituality into your daily life.

Distinct from counseling, the goal of spiritual guidance is not to solve life’s problems, but rather to increase awareness of how God is already active in an individual’s life. Spiritual guides are trained and experienced in helping others with their spiritual lives.

Before engaging a spiritual guide, it is helpful to reflect on your expectations for the experience:
• Is it essential that your guide have a background in a particular faith tradition?
• Would you feel more comfortable talking with a male or a female?
• How often can you meet with your spiritual guide?

In spiritual guidance sessions, it is essential to trust your instincts and to remain open. Your guide may introduce new methods of prayer or forms of expression, such as journaling or drawing. They will ask you to speak honestly and they will be responsive to your unique spiritual path. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, guidance can help you notice and respond to God’s presence, deepening your connection to the sacred.

Community is key

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:36:00 PDT

Community is essential to Benedictine life. At Holy Wisdom Monastery, we put an emphasis on creating community in everything we do. Creating community informs the way we share Benedictine spirituality with others. It leads how we have structured our oblate community and the way we have invited members of Sunday Assembly to take responsibility for its life together. In community, we connect, listen and obey one another, we consider what is better for the other rather than better for oneself, "supporting with the greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another." (RB 72:5-6)

A Message That Resonates

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:41:00 PDT

The Benedictine tradition lives through the centuries as testament to the strength and applicability of its message. The Rule of Benedict highlights the importance of a balance of daily work and prayer. The purpose of work is to provide service to others and an opportunity for personal development. A commitment to a balanced life is the backbone of Benedict’s document and this message still resonates among those who seek to incorporate spirituality into their everyday lives.

Relevance for the Rule

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:45:34 PDT

Today, The Rule of Benedict continues to serve as a guide for those who seek God individually and in community. Short in length, written in clear language and translated in many languages, it combines practical rules for living with pages of sublime spirituality. Suggesting ways to seek and celebrate God in daily life, the Rule fosters listening, hospitality, humility, embracing change, respect for people, learning, prayer and work. It envisions a community that works to support each person’s developing relationship with God and others.

Rejoice in the Spirit of Benedict

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:54:02 PDT

On July 11, Benedictines across the world celebrated the Feast of Saint Benedict. The Rule of Benedict written centuries ago continues to attract people seeking spiritual formation. The spirit of Benedict and his message live today through our oblate community, Sunday Assembly members, retreatants and others who carry it in their hearts.

Perspective on Active Listening

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:52:56 PDT

How we pray the psalms reflects an intense commitment to listening with the ear of our heart and discovering connections to others through the recitation of scripture. We pray slowly at a steady pace, letting the words sink in. The pace and the practice encourage all to listen to others, follow their lead and pray the psalms in unison.

Perspective on Daily Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:52:23 PDT

Liturgy of the hours is central to Benedictine life. This daily prayer brings the community together at morning, midday and evening to praise God in song, psalms and readings. The silence after the psalms and readings allows time for listening and meditating on the word of God. These forms of prayer draw from the deepest wells of monastic spirituality, yet they are simple and accessible. In the spirit of Benedictine hospitality, the prayer of the monastery community is open to anyone.

Striving to Live Faithfully: A Muslim-Christian Conversation

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:24:30 PDT

Please share in our community by listening to the May Ecumenical Dialogue hosted at Holy Wisdom Monastery. The conversation brings together the Rev. Jay Rock and Imam Ronald Shaheed for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities Christians and Muslims face in relation to each other and to the world we all share.

Ronald Shaheed is the Imam of Masjid Sultan Muhammad and director of education at the Clara Mohammed School in Milwaukee. He works closely with Imam W.D. Mohammed in fostering interfaith dialogue and engagement in the United States and internationally. He is a knowledgeable and personable interpreter of Islam.

Jay T. Rock is coordinator of interfaith relations for the Presbyterian Church. He served as director for interfaith relations at the National Council of Churches of Christ from 1987 to 2003. With an academic background in the history of religious, he has also served as a congregational pastor and community organizer.

A "Little Rule for Beginners"

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:44:30 PDT

While living in Italy during the 6th century, Benedict of Nursia wrote a guide for community life, which he called a “little rule for beginners.” The Rule quickly became the foundation for monastic communities across Europe, giving direction for ordinary people wanting to live extraordinarily well.

Eager disciples came to Benedict’s small cave, seeking guidance in their search for God. Benedict and his followers founded monasteries for both women and men throughout Europe, which served as places of hope and hospitality and as a witness to God’s love during dark period of history. At Monte Cassino, Benedict wrote his monastic rule, drawing on many years of experience and wisdom toward the end of his life.

Today, the Rule of Benedict continues to serve as a guide for those who seek God individually and in community.

Perspective on Justice

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:51:11 PDT

Christ calls us to embrace the world and its people, regardless of differences. The Rule of Benedict expresses this call through its focus on providing hospitality and care for all people. By creating an environment of respect for each person and sharing resources with those in need, we can promote an awareness of justice and equality in our own community and around the world.

Perspective on Simplicity

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:50:39 PDT

Simplicity is integral to Benedictine spirituality. The Rule of Benedict calls us to devote our hearts to God; this single-heartedness can be challenging in busy, everyday life. Seeking to simplify our lives clears room in the heart and mind for reception of the Spirit, allowing us to turn to God and one another in love.

Perspective on Hospitality

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:49:58 PDT

The Rule of Benedict calls us to open our hearts continuously to others (RB 53). Acceptance of new people and new ideas allows us to deepen our knowledge of God and each other. This tradition of hospitality offers rich opportunities for the renewal of relationships in the new year.

Perspective on Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:49:24 PDT

Peace comes primarily from within a person – more than from the external environment. It comes from the attitudes we bring to life. During times of stress, we can change our thoughts by focusing on a word or an experience that brings us peace. Benedictine peace comes from seeking peace. Benedict writes in the Rule: seek after peace and pursue it.

Perspective on The Rule

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:48:44 PDT

While developed in the 6th century, The Rule of Benedict remains an up-to-date invitation to open your heart to God. The Rule summons us to recognize the dignity of labor, the challenge of responsibility and the proper use of resources. It provides a framework to seek balance and find an everyday path to God. It offers accessible means to explore the value of a life lived seeking and serving God, "...preferring nothing to the love of Christ."

Perspective on Balance

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:48:06 PDT

The Rule of Benedict offers insights on balance for everyday life. Balance is an outcome of attending to the whole person and providing good order “so that everything may be done at the proper time” (RB 47.1). Benedictine spirituality addresses the whole person (body, mind and spirit) by ordering the day to provide time for prayer, study and work. This holistic view shapes a way of life conducive to growth and integration.

Perspective on Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Benedictine Women of Madison) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:47:24 PDT

The Prologue to The Rule of Benedict begins with a call for the seeker to “Listen carefully” and reminds us how life is a teacher of universal truths. While we take a breath to find focus, we seek to be aware of God’s presence and of that which we are being called to do. Once we open our minds and our hearts to a wisdom beyond our own, we can be guided to make a thoughtful decision and put it into action.