WE OFTEN ASSOCIATE PRAYER with the words we say. Contemplative prayer is a way of being with God that does not depend on giving the Holy One information about what we would like don in the world. Just as friends can enjoy one another without conversing, contemplative prayer is a way of being with God without wordiness. In contemplative prayer we rest and wait. Keeping our hearts alert and awake to the presence of God and his Word, we listen….
In contemplative prayer we feast in God, depending on him to initiate communion and communication. We don’t ask for things, we simply open ourselves to the Trinity, trusting we will be received into restful arms….
Contemplative prayer requires patience, but it is not the heavy work that intersession can sometimes be. It can even be light, playful, tender and joyful. In a world given to activity and work, contemplative prayer is a way we join God in a place of divine rest and love….
Life makes it evident that what we contemplate shapes us. Saints down through the ages have trusted that contemplating the truth, beauty and goodness of the Trinity could ultimately shape and change their souls. The interior transformation that the saints call “diving union” is a fruit of this contemplation.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES:
- Settle into a time of quietness with God (if it is hard for you to sit still in God’s presence, go for a walk). Say to God, “Here I am. I am with you.” Be with God. Welcome him with open arms. Be in the moment with controlling or influencing it. Give God the gift of your love and presence. Do not strive. There is nothing to achieve. Be with God in liven attentiveness. Leave his presence gently when you sneeze you must go.
- One way to quiet our minds is to quiet of bodies. Spend five minutes intentionally relaxing your body and breathing deeply. Afterward, spend five minutes noticing where your mind wants to go. Offer your noticing to God. Then let go and open yourself to God’s love. Be receptive to a prayer God may be giving you to say. (Remember, contemplative prayer is more receptive than active.) End your prayer bye breathing in God’s love. Go with the awareness act your every breath is God’s gift.
- Light a candle and become quiet before the creator of light. Allow thee candlelight to center your heart int eh Light of the world. Offer yourself and all your darkness to Jesus. Remain in his light. Be comforted; all the darkness in the world cannot put out the light of one match. How much greater is the Light in you.
- Sacred word. Choose a prayer word as the symbol of your desire to let Jesus’ action and presence form in you. The word could reflect a deep desire of your heart (e.g., love, grace, peace), or the world might be a name of title of God (e.g., Jesus, great Shepherd, Counsleor, Healer of my soul, Defender). Become still and offer yourself and your love to God. Let this word or phrase draw you into the presence of Christ. When you are distracted, return gently to your word and to the Lord. At the end of the prayer, remain still for several minutes. Throughout your day return to your word and remind the Lord of your love for him.