Tiptoe

 

This week I have given you a few examples of antiphons.  Monday, we explored the sentence, “O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge”.  Tuesday, we turned toward, “Hide me in the shadow of your wings”.  Wednesday, we held (were held by) the four words, “Release my trapped heart”.  And yesterday, we embraced and explored the words of Emily Dickinson, “I dwell in possibility”.  Today, I invite you to find/write your own antiphon.  A few thoughts on how you can do this.  The psalms are full of one sentence invitations/thoughts/prayers you can take with you.  Note, you don’t have to memorize, you can type the words into your phone, so you have them or put them on a scrap piece of paper and put in your pocket.  Open the psalms and start scanning until you find one that captures your imagination.  Remember, it doesn’t have to be the most perfect, best, most awesome-est sentence ever to carry forever and ever.  Just find a few words for today, that is enough.  Or you can go to the familiar psalms of 23 or 121, slowly reading to find one verse that makes your heart sing.  Or you can recall a poem your high school English teacher made you memorize, is there one sentence there you would like to sit with today.  Or maybe you’ve been reading a book and one sentence from the author you underlined and highlighted and wrote, “YES” in the margin.  Sit with words you’ve discovered (been a detective of the divine – which we talked about last week).  For example, Maggie Smith in a book I am reading right now writes, “My heart stands on tiptoe”.  That is a beautiful sentence that evokes and provokes so much for me.  Hopefully that gives you enough to go on.  You can, of course, Google antiphons for more examples, but my hope is that you will let loose your creativity and find a short sentence that stirs your heart, mind and soul today.  May God’s still singing and speaking voice move in you and through you as we continue to pray antiphons in these days.  Amen.