Prayer for Friday, February 15

Prepare for your prayer time by lighting a candle or by ringing the opening bell in the right hand column at the website here. Allow the ringing of the bell to draw you into sacred space with God. Take a few deep breaths, breathing in God's love and presence, breathing out any distractions or worries.

Lord, Jesus Christ, teach us to pray.

One of our ways of communication with God is by talking.  Another is, of course, listening.  A primary source for hearing God is our holy scriptures.  Have you ever had the sense that a scripture is speaking directly to you?  When that happens, you have gone beyond simply reading and moved into a place of communication with God through the Holy Spirit.  You are now praying with the scripture instead of just reading or studying it.  You are no longer concerned with only what it means, but what it is saying to you, directly.  

There is a very ancient and specific practice for praying with the scriptures called Lectio Divina, which in Latin means Holy Reading.  The prayer consists of four stages which I invite you to experience with our scripture passage for today.

Prepare yourself by opening your heart to God.  Let God know that you are here to listen for God’s word to you.  

Stage 1:  Lectio (Read)

Read the passage slowly.  You are not reading in order to understand or explain the scripture.  This isn’t about theology or bible study.  You are simply reading to be open to a word from God.

A reading from the Gospel according to John [1:35-39]

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Behold! The Lamb of God!". The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.  When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?”  They said to him “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?”  He said to them, “Come and see”.

Now, read the passage again.  This time, see if there is a word or a very short phrase that rises up above all of the other words.  A friend of mine, Christine, who has written two books on Lectio Divina, speaks of how a word often “shimmers”.  It stands out some how from all of the other words.  If a word doesn’t come immediately, be patient and let God know that you are waiting for a word.

Stage 2:  Meditatio (Reflect)

This is the stage in which you contemplate the word or phrase.  How does this word affect you?  What does it mean to you?  Does it trigger any emotions or memories in you?  What sights, sounds, smells or tastes might you associate with the word?  What does this word have to do with your life right now?  With your spiritual life?  What do you think God is saying to you through this word?

Stage 3:  Oratio (Pray)

Now you have the opportunity to speak with God about the thoughts and awarenesses that have been coming to you through this scripture.  Be open and honest with God.  Does God want to transform something in your life through this word? Heal something?  Encourage you?  Comfort you?  Challenge you?

Stage 4:  Contemplatio (Rest)

We often think of contemplation as pondering upon something, but in this case contemplation means simply to rest in God’s presence.  There is nothing left to do but to let God have you.  Let go of your thoughts, words, and plans.  Simply rest.

I encourage you to record your word or phrase as well as your response to God in your prayer journal.

Jesus, tune our ears to hear you voice. Teach us your ways that we might be more like you.