Prayer is not only talking to God but involves all interactions with Him and His people - especially the poor and the needy.
When we read the Bible and meditate on it - it is God that is talking to us and instructing us.
When we contemplate we are discussing with God as to how we are going to implement these teachings in our life. It is here that we also make our prayer requests.
Jesus is a perfect example of prayer:
1. At the beginning of the day He used to connect with the Father and offer His day upto God. He used to receive instructions for the day.
2. He implemented God's instructions with His preachings, teachings, healings and charitable works. Thus we must make everyone's experience with us a memorable ‘Jesus experience’. We must do our work in office / fulfill our vocation by giving our best and fullest to everyone we meet. This is called an ‘action prayer’.
3. We must try to meet Jesus in the mass and Sacraments, received the Eucharist daily and go for the Sacrament of Reconciliation once a month.
At the end of the day Jesus used to isolate Himself and spend time with the Father and perhaps praise and thank Him for all the blessings received during the day.
We must pray likewise!
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
How do I read the Bible?
The process is called ‘Lectio Divina’. It involves invoking the Holy Spirit, reading, meditating, praying, contemplating, and thus being in perfect communion with God.
It is suggested you start with the ‘Gospel of John’, followed by the remaining three Gospels and the remaining New Testament:
1. You must isolate yourself to a place of silence, which is conducive to prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you and reveal Himself to you.
2. Read the Bible passage slowly, and remember that every word has been specifically chosen, and approved of by God – and is there for a reason. The Holy Spirit has made sure the author of that book has conveyed what God wants him to communicate – nothing more and nothing less.
3. Now picture yourself in that situation – e.g. as part of the audience that Jesus / the author is speaking to.
4. Ask Jesus what He is telling you/revealing to you, and meditate on the central theme of the message.
5. Dialogue with God and discuss with Him as to how it is relevant to your life, and how you are going to implement it in your circumstances / situation.
6. Ask God for His help and grace in its implementation.
7. Practice it in your life. As mentioned above ‘Live the Gospel and use words – if absolutely necessary’.
When you are reading the Word and meditating – be attentive, God is speaking to you.
When you contemplate – it is you that are speaking to God, and making your prayer requests. The Golden rules are:
a. Imagine yourself at the feet of God, and talk to Him from your heart.
b. Follow the KISS principle i.e. Keep It Simple Son/Sister.
c. Tell God the problem – don’t give Him the solution, as He knows best e.g. “God my friend is suffering from cancer – please heal him”.
d. Have faith – do not doubt – Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
CLICK ON THE LINK for a demo of ‘Lectio Divina’:
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