Gay's Grace Notes  

Do no harm

Do good

Stay in love with God

John Wesley

as paraphrased by Ruben P. Job

Once upon a time clergy-preachers, pastors, ministers of the Gospel, men of the cloth-were among the healthiest and most respected people in the nation. That is no longer the case. We have fallen prey to the same ills that plague society in general: obesity, stress, sedentary lifestyles, debt, stress, instant gratification, fast food, stress, unhealthy choices. . . .The nation's respect for the clergy has been impacted by our faithlessness, greed, and inappropriate use of power, as well as by a general disengagement with the church and/or Christianity.

In an effort to counteract our skyrocketing health insurance costs because of clergy and clergy family unhealth, the United Methodist Church, and the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference are providing incentives to get healthy. This year we were given pedometers that can be synced with our computers to keep a profile of our physical activity. For every so many miles we walk, we earn money to spend at certain websites. It also provides the conference an anonymous profile of its insured to chart our improved health.

So I dutifully wear my pedometer and plug into the database. I even put a riser at the counter in the kitchen so I can accrue steps while watching the news or reading the paper or working a crossword. Boyd laughs at me when I walk circles around the living room while on the phone-he used to be the pacer in the family. Simply wearing the pedometer prompts me to take more steps.

Since it is my vocation to reflect theologically on ordinary life, I pondered how I could develop a prayerometer to prompt us to pray more often. I decided that I didn't need to invent something new. I can rework what has worked for millennia. So here is my program-and challenge to you-to improve your spiritual health one prayer at a time:

STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD-Read scripture. Each day read one of the four lectionary passages for the coming Sunday, found on the cover page and the Sermon Briefs in Jason's Journal. Think about what you read. Ask what God is telling you to be or do in this passage. Listen to what God answers. Memorize and recite one phrase or verse throughout the day. Write a brief note about your experience.

DO GOOD-Each day plan and carry out an unselfish act for another that you do not expect to be reciprocated. Write a brief note about your experience.

DO NO HARM-At the end of each day take a few minutes to reflect on one thought, action, or encounter that might have disappointed God. Ask for forgiveness and strength to avoid such behavior in the future. Write a brief note about your experience. Then let it go!

PLUG IN AND SYNC-Join a small group who will agree to meet periodically to share what you want to share, and to hold each other up in love. One such group is open for everyone who wants to try this during the month of May. Saturdays, 6:00-7:00 a.m. at the parsonage. Coffee will be on. Bring your notes (journals) to help remind you of the week-these will be only for your use, you do not need to share anything unless you want to.

Ready, set, pray, Gay