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prayer

asparagus

Hello

I am in the process of writing an sort of Advent Prayer Booklet to be used in Advent later on this year by anyone who wants to but also aimed for people with autism who find it hard to join in group discussions. I myself do find it hard socially to join in. I know the social rules but never seems to work for me.  I feel isolated when going through other typcial Lent/Advent course books especially at home as always find they rely heavily on interaciton of the group. Which I find is no good when at home going through it 'alone'. A local priest is supporting me doing this project. It two fold in that primary it to keep myself busy (and at times when I need to talk to him about things and there are no words, I can talk about this) and if anything becomes of it from a worth sense of the word may be sale-able to anyone who wants to buy it through Lulu etc.  I have more or less sorted out four themes as such. But theological support I have with the Priest helping me.  But am wondering if there is anything that should be in the advent book that conventional church books don't cover but take for granted that everyone knows. I myself am very long term Christian but find myself asking or this priest telling me things that really I should know after 30 years of church attendance perhaps.  So even less from an autism perspective.  Am lucky I have found someone I can ask in a format I can use. 

How would you like to see a standard group study book be adapted for individual use so that are not isolated from group discussion. Anything you would like to be seen included to be accessible for people/adults? specifically on the ASD spectrum?

  • One thing I really like about Advent is the Christingle, where an orange has been decorated with a red ribbon around it, and 4 sweets or pieces of fruit are stuck on it, and a candle is on the top.

    I like this because the symbolism is fairly easy to understand, and because it has visual impact.  So perhaps something about the meaning of the Christingle could be put in the Advent book?

    In many of the churches where I live, children and families like the Christingle service and the lighting of the candle during it.

  • What a good idea!  And I agree with Marjorie's suggestion of asking God in prayer. 

    Have you tried looking at some books of personal devotionals?  They don't rely upon group discussions and are aimed at a person who has a daily quiet time.

  • Thank you for replying. I am slowly plodding on. Through a conversation yesterday, that was actually about the Sermon at Corpus Christie, I innocently explored the one area I have been stuck with. It was with the priest who is my 'autism carer' too, not that I need day to day physical care but I can email and let of steam in safety. Our conversation yesterday went really well from a spiritual perspective and of the project which I really handn't gone along to discuss.  I just wondered whether anyone on this forum have any idea's they may like to 'see' in a book for advent knowing that most churches have study groups but they are social barriers for some of us even if we went and were throughly included, the ability to talk in topic makes it hard. I been to enough in Lent where basically ended up sitting there in silence through the session. Now is the time to turn that around with something for 'us'. Cool

  • I have attended church intermitantly, over the years.

    My first thought is that you should ask God to advise you on this too. He will give you ideas to include, and give you doubts about things which you should leave out. Always remember, "If in doubt, don't". Sit quietly and listen, with an open mind. Loving support is there, when you need it.

    I have problems with church, because I tend to take it too literally. I beat myself up over every little thing, if I go too often. I am a perfectionist, and cannot cope with constant reminders of my shortcomings.

    God is everywhere. Talk to him everywhere. Inspiring thoughts will come to you.

    You could set up a facebook group, to discuss issues of faith. It is, also easier to talk about these things via email. It is face to face contact which robs us of our ability to speak. There are  also, existing online forums for those with questions about faith.

    Keep up the good work.Smile