The Good Shepherd’s voice for God’s Shepherds--I felt Holy Spirit’s presence hearing you speak those words. God is still calling me to be a shepherd, now in my 6th decade. This summer i am doing a weeklhy prayer day at Mt Angel’s Benedictine Abbey about an hour south of were I live. This week I went 6 hours without talking to anyone (except for directions) Most of my prayers were “thank yous”. This setting helps me stop talking and listen for the Good Sheperd’s voice. I am grateful for Eucharist at 8am and the monks singing the Psalms to one another at noon. I pay attention to the Good Shepherd’s voice speaking by noticing what Holy Spirit is highlighting in the readings and the Psalms and different parts of the liturgy. One favorite part is when the priests pray the “epiclesis” "Come Holy Spirit” upon this bread and wine to be for us the body and blood of Christ (real presence). This was part of my prayers of consecration during my years as a shepherd. Your questions, Nathan, help me listen to the Good Shepherd’s voice, “Why are yu afraid?” “What is your calling? "Who is with you?” He speaks to me through your voice. Papa Joe
The Good Shepherd’s voice for God’s Shepherds--I felt Holy Spirit’s presence hearing you speak those words. God is still calling me to be a shepherd, now in my 6th decade. This summer i am doing a weeklhy prayer day at Mt Angel’s Benedictine Abbey about an hour south of were I live. This week I went 6 hours without talking to anyone (except for directions) Most of my prayers were “thank yous”. This setting helps me stop talking and listen for the Good Sheperd’s voice. I am grateful for Eucharist at 8am and the monks singing the Psalms to one another at noon. I pay attention to the Good Shepherd’s voice speaking by noticing what Holy Spirit is highlighting in the readings and the Psalms and different parts of the liturgy. One favorite part is when the priests pray the “epiclesis” "Come Holy Spirit” upon this bread and wine to be for us the body and blood of Christ (real presence). This was part of my prayers of consecration during my years as a shepherd. Your questions, Nathan, help me listen to the Good Shepherd’s voice, “Why are yu afraid?” “What is your calling? "Who is with you?” He speaks to me through your voice. Papa Joe