to align with the law of love

Among the books I am currently reading is one titled “Mindsight” by a psychiatrist and pediatrician named Daniel Siegel. The book is about healing, in a word. It is about how we have the power literally to heal our brains through exercises that can bring flexibility, adaptiveness, cohesion, energy, and stability to our consciousness.

While I have been fascinated to read Dr. Siegel’s clear explanations of recent brain science, and the way our thought processes show up biologically (in our brains, and in other organs and parts of our bodies), I have been pleased to read how he affirms practices such as contemplative prayer as a way of healing and strengthening our brains (and other organs and parts of our bodies). I was introduced to contemplative prayer during seminary, learned more about it through a scholarship program I participated in at the Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, and deepened my practice further under the instruction of a spiritual director named Jerry Hanna, an Episcopal priest.

This book is timely, as well, as I study Jeremiah 31:31-34, our Hebrew Scripture for this Sunday, and the passage on which I will preach. One verse, in particular, has always lit up for me:

“I will put my law within them, and will write it on their hearts…”.

This verse has always suggested biology to me. I hear God saying, “I will rewire your brains, and recode your very DNA, to align with the law of love.” It is a breathtaking statement!

As I read Dr. Siegel’s book (I am also re-reading The Brothers Karamazov — talk about a dysfunctional family that could use some brain healing!) and prepare my sermon, I have also felt renewed in my long practice of contemplative prayer. At one time during my tenure as pastor at MBPPC, I led a contemplative prayer group. Newly inspired, I am considering resuming that group as a weekly offering.

Interested? Let me know.

In Christ,

Lee