12 Aug Stillness: Overcoming Monkey Mind

(Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park)

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

–Contemplative Prayer from Richard Rohr based on Psalm 46:10

God graciously invites us to slow down. We are welcomed to rest in His presence. Contemplation is all about awareness, a baseline openness and spiritual curiosity necessary to begin our cactus hugging journey.

Since most of us live such fast-paced and distracted lives, we will struggle and stumble often early on. Rohr warns that it can be a humiliating experience with plenty of negative self-talk. You will experience what Buddhists call the “monkey mind,” thoughts that seem to have a will of their own, swinging like wild monkeys from branch to branch. That’s perfectly fine. Don’t try to exterminate the monkeys—even if you could—learn to laugh at yourself and dismissingly wave at them as they swing in and out of view.

For, as you learn to empty your mind of anxious thoughts you will discover a surprising fullness in God. Your soul will shine, enabling even our shadows parts to reflect the beauty of God. Stillness within resembles the beauty of alpine lakes, views so pristine that we get to see them twice.

If prayer, meditation, or even sitting still for more than five minutes is new to you, don’t worry. We’re going to break this prayer into five parts over five weeks. Eventually, you might be able to travel through all five in a single unbroken prayer, but let’s not rush or overburden ourselves.

Our prayer begins simple and familiar enough.

Be still and know that I am God.

This is the first baby step.

We begin to understand the character and nature of God. Foundationally, the most important reality of prayer is admitting that God is God and we are not (God). We could use lots of words to describe this first step.

Surrender. Humility. Dependence.

We build on this reality, slowly. We use creeds and confessions of faith from saints in the past. We learn from scripture and from Christian friends. Our faith is like echoes: we repeat what others have said before.

Sadly, like Paul, I lament that most of us remain babies.

Few have moved on from this first step and are still doing the theological equivalent of drinking milk (1 Corinthians 3:2). We only confess our faith with borrowed formulas. These formulas are not wrong or evil—indeed they are foundational. Yet, we are meant to build on them; we settle for dwelling in tents when there’s a beautiful temple next door. So how do we build on the foundation that Jesus and the apostles laid?

The people of Israel would daily confess their own creed, the Shema.

Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God. The Lord is one (or alone).

–Deuteronomy 6:4

But, James has a sharp barb about such a confession merely muttered and mumbled, not heartily embraced and believed.

You believe that God is one—you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.
–James 2:19

I find the progression and juxtaposition of James’ writing here instructive. Believing in the right formulas is good. Yet, believing the right things (purity of doctrine) is never enough. Even demons can have pure doctrine. I find it endlessly amusing how often exorcised demons more readily confess Jesus as the Messiah than most of the disciples. So what’s the difference? Demons shudder and tremble and revolt against communion with the Spirit of God. Here’s a simple prayer to begin to make the transition from formula to formational prayer—learning to be clay in The Potter’s hands—using the most familiar formula prayer of all, the Lord’s Prayer:

Dada, you’re good and perfect and seated on your heavenly throne, even as chaos pervades our world, especially the kingdoms of this world.

Dada, you are our creator and stand outside of creation, yet you are surprisingly involved and interested in it. You care for my daily needs alongside wildflowers and majestic birds.

Dada, I know your kingdom is advancing in my neighborhood in hidden and secrets ways; would the Spirit open my eyes to the places you’re already working and moving so that I might not only join your work but enjoy your presence among the “least of these.” May my little corner of the earth become a tiny appetizer for the heavenly feast to come.

Dada, my ears need to forgiveness proclaimed aloud as much as I need bread on my table. May your tangible grace overflow into the lives of everyone I meet.

Dada, you know my flesh is weak, prone to wander and stumble. Deliver me from trials and from the accusations of the enemy. Root me in truth. Deliver me from familiar lies and my usual vices. Teach me to not only accept my darkness but invite your cleansing light to shine into it.

Dada, it is all about you. May I never try to steal any credit or glory. May I rest in you. Amen.