The invitation to prayer we considered yesterday began with
the words “come away,” and that is the basis for this reflection.
What do we need to “come away” from? Often we need to leave behind distressing,
dark or troubling thoughts, traces of bitterness and resentment, or perhaps
those little episodes which run through our minds again and again no matter how
much we try to stop it from happening.
The Scriptures offer a remedy by directing our thoughts to what
is positive and healing, healthy and holy. Consider Philippians 4:8-9.
“. . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is
any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things
. . . and the God of peace will be with you.”
When we spend time meditating on these things, we develop
healthy connections in the brain. The more we think on these things, the
stronger the connections become. Eventually we can develop the ability to turn
our attention away from what troubles us and find relief in the positive
connections we have developed. (See “Buddha’s Brain”)
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