大象传媒

Good morning. Ivan Pavlov, the Russian physiologist and Nobel prize-winner, who was born this day in 1849, has had a huge influence on our understanding of human behaviour and learning. Pavlov famously observed how his dogs responded by salivating the moment they heard the sound of the bell that rang to signal mealtimes, and he used this to demonstrate the importance of external stimuli in changing behaviour.

Eventually, Pavlov鈥檚 theories were to become part of the educational mainstream. Before I was a priest, I was a teacher, and as part of our training we were encouraged to use the physical set-up of the classroom to put young learners in the right frame of mind. Furniture, colours, lighting all mattered, forming an environment which helped the children develop the habit of learning.聽聽

The physical context matters in so much of what we want to learn as adults too. I think of the routines that people use to settle themselves and step aside from the business of life to make time and space to pray. Perhaps they鈥檒l light a candle and sit before an open Bible; or kneel and make the sign of the cross.

I remember when my children were small, and each day was crammed with the demands of caring for them. Then, my evening prayer time was marked by the floor being cleared of toys, and the chance to sit down with a coffee and the newspaper. It set the scene for my prayers as a treat to be enjoyed at the end of the day.

That routine has changed over the years, of course, but I still recognise the need to create a setting, to get into the rhythm - in short, to develop those good habits that can shape our prayers and shape our days.

Holy Spirit, comforter and guide, renew your grace within us, that we may deepen our love and understanding for one another and for you. Amen.