Ways to enter into contemplative prayer: Part 3

Augustinian Prayer: The Path of Devotion.
Augustinian prayer is imaginative. It allows a dialogue between the one praying and God via the application of scripture to one’s personal situation. This method appeals to open minded creative, and optimistic people. Journalers, writers and public speakers find Augustinian prayer compounds and enhances their ability to put words to everyday experiences. However, individuals who are sensitive to inclusive language may get stuck on gender terms used in scripture and will want to actively attend to step 2 of the method.

Method

1. Pick a Psalm (i.e. a psalm where Yahweh is speaking to Israel would be good). Alternative: select a suitable reading from scripture where the message is being directed to a particular individual or community.


2. When reading the Psalm, instead of using the word "Israel", replace it with your own name; when reading another passage from scripture imagine you are the audience to which the message is being directed.


3. Get in touch with your feelings as you are addressed (note especially feelings of peace, consolation, protection, security, love, tenderness, etc.)


4. Reflect on what this prayer experience means for you personally today. Keep a journal, sketchbook or other record of your reflections.

Ways to enter into contemplative prayer: Part 2

Benedictine: Lectio Divina. This ancient Christian prayer method uses the Bible or other suitable reading material. It is universal to all people and is appropriate for private contemplation or for use in groups. Extroverts love it, because it provides them with an order of action. Introverts appreciate it because it is slow and allows them silent contemplation.

Method:

• First Stage: Lectio (reading)
Read the word of God slowly and reflectively. Any passage can be used but it should not be too lengthy.

• Second Stage: Meditatio (reflection)
Reflect on the text in order to discern God’s message to you.

• Third Stage: Oratio (response)
Inspired by your reflection from stage two, leave your thoughts aside and allow your heart to speak with God.

• Forth Stage: Contemplatio (rest)
Sit silently and rest in the word of God

Click here for an excellent source of suitable readings and guidance following the liturgical calendar. You will want to click on the current month listed on the left side of the page to locate the current reading.

Read Fr. Luke Dysinger, O.S.B.'s step-by-step guide on Lectio Divina.

Finally, click this link to view a video of Fr. James Martin S.J., author of My Life with the Saints, explaining Lectio Divina with a specific reading.

Ways to enter into contemplative prayer: Part 1

How do you pray? Do you connect formally, guided by recited prayers? Or, is your conversation with God more like a stream of consciousness? Do you journal? Does nature become your cathedral? Is centering prayer or meditation a piece of your prayer life? Of the countless ways to pray, the method we choose often correlates with the place we find ourselves on our spiritual journey and can lead us into deeper forms of prayer if we allow it.

Contemplative prayer is a way of immersing oneself in a quiet place, a place of balance, and a place of spiritual imagination. Five “traditional” forms of Contemplative Christian prayer include: Ignatian, Benedictine, Augustinian, Thomistic, and Franciscan--all of which emerged from the mystical experiences of their namesakes. Each of these types of prayer will be published in this blog over the next few weeks. Enjoy and discover your favorite.

Ignatian Prayer: The Path of Asceticism

Ignation prayer uses the imagination. Through scripture the reader is placed in the midst of the event.

Method: In this prayer, we make use of guided imagery and active imagination within the framework of a gospel passage of Jesus’ life. Begin by selecting a short action passage from the gospel.

• Relax, focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Allow yourself to let the events of your day, or worries to slip away. Relax. Become aware of God’s presence around you. Read the passage several times slowly. Now place the bible aside.


• Breathe and recall the story you just read. Allow it to come alive before you. Imagine the people, the place, the dust, the smell, the objects, the animals, the words spoken, etc. Just let yourself go. Enjoy the scene. Place yourself in it. You are more than a bystander or an onlooker. Be active in what is happening!


• Do not make judgements or analyze. Just be present to the scene.


• Do not try to reason out or learn. Be content just be there.


• End the prayer by talking to Jesus. Thank him for all that happened or did not happen during this time of prayer.


• Journal your experience, pay close attention to your feelings.


• If an insight emerges write it down.

For additional information and contemplations, please visit www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Imagination.

And, for wonderful daily ignatian podcast prayer visit www.pray-as-you-go.org.