The Welcoming Prayer

I used this prayer in our yoga practice this morning - sharing here for your reference and personal use. It is a prayer I only became aware of this week, and found the practice freeing and well-timed and thought you might too. 

We are feeling lots of things right now, aren't we? And how are we to handle these feelings of worry, frustration and disappointment? I invite you to consider the practice of the Welcoming Prayer. 

It's a simple but powerful prayer, inviting us to let go and surrender into God's dwelling within us. 

First you are invited to notice what you are feeling and become aware of what you are experiencing in your body. Get in touch with the sensation, whether it is physical or emotional. You don't need to analyze or change anything, simply notice and allow yourself to feel it - sink into it. 

Second, welcome the sensation or emotion, which may feel counterintuitive. "Welcome frustration," "welcome disappointment," "welcome fear." You are not inviting it to stay but acknowledging that it already here, and in that acknowledging, you are disarming it from its power to control. Stay present and allow your breath to align yourself with the indwelling, ever-present Spirit.

And lastly, when you are ready, begin to release and let go. "I let go of my disappointment," "I let go of my fear." 

I love the practice because it's not contingent on us "doing" but rather invites us to the place of being: noticing, accepting and releasing.

~~Opening ourselves to the Spirit's presence among ALL of life~~

So I invite you to take a moment to become aware of your body, all you are feeling and your interior thoughts and emotions...and then welcome...

Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me in this moment
because I know it is for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions,
persons, situations and conditions.

I let go of my desire for security.
I let go of my desire for approval.
I let go of my desire for control.

I let go of my desire to change any
situation, condition,
person, or myself.

I open to the love and presence of God and the healing action and grace within.

––– Mary Mrozowski 1925-1993

This practice was shared with me as a resource from The Chapel of the Cross.