3-D Lent: Praying

Volumes have been written about prayer: what it is; how to do it; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. This post will focus on two forms of prayer that great Catholic mystics have used for centuries and you can too: meditation and contemplation. It’s easier than you may think.

First, definitions. When we were children, we were taught that prayer was talking to God. We recited pre-written prayers like the Our Father, the Rosary, and the prayers at Mass. We learned that some prayers praised God, others expressed sorrow for our sins, others asked for favors, and still others expressed thanksgiving for getting those favors. We learned morning prayers, the Angelus for noon prayer, the Blessing before Meals, and prayers before bed.

We did a lot of recitations, and that was a good thing. But other than our prayer intentions for ourselves and others, we didn’t do much of our own talking.

When we were older, we learned that prayer was communicating with God. We kept the treasure of our traditional prayers, but learned the importance of also speaking to God in our own words. But we were still doing all the talking.

Then as adults, we realized that prayer, like the rest of life, is about love and relationships. Prayer became best understood as anything that moved us closer to God, developed our special friendship with Him, or deepened our love for Him. And we learned that, like all mature relationships, closeness involves periods of talking, listening, and just being together in silence for the pure pleasure of each other’s company.

The mystics called these forms of prayer meditation and contemplation. Second to Mass and Communion, they are considered the closest union we can have with God in prayer.

Meditation and contemplation may bring up images as diverse as cloistered monks in brown cloaks or yoga instructors in neon-colored tights. And lots of training. But it’s as simple as talking, listening, and being present because that’s exactly what it is.

Meditation and contemplation are both forms of mental prayer (prayers made up of our own words). But there is one huge difference between the two.

When we meditate, we move from telling God to discussing with God and listening. We say exactly what’s on our mind, just as we would to our dearest friend. And we listen for what He has to say. Meditation is all about our effort to have a deep encounter with God.

When we contemplate, however, it is God who makes the effort to connect with us. Doesn’t that give you chills of the best kind? He comes to us. He quiets our soul. All we do is relax and enjoy His presence. After all these years, I finally understand what Holy Hour in front of the Tabernacle is all about.

Of course the devil will tempt you during these prayers. He will tell you that you are wasting time, being lazy; that nothing is going on. Don’t fall for it. Something extraordinary is definitely going on! Something supernatural with God in charge. With time, you will be more comfortable and confident in experiencing it.

When God speaks to you, you won’t hear Him like you hear humans talking, of course. (Although I must say that more than once, something I overheard or something that a stranger said to me out of the blue were exactly what I needed to hear regarding the questions I brought to God in prayer.)

Instead, God will answer you through the senses He created you with. You might see something as though you’re noticing it for the first time. You might feel an emotion strongly. A thought or memory may pop into your mind. Or an aroma or taste may trigger an idea.

It may happen during your prayer session, or afterwards during an unguarded moment. For example, I know a woman who asked God in prayer to help the local food bank be successful. She reasoned she could neither volunteer nor give money but she could at least pray for them. Later that day, she smelled fresh tomatoes so strongly, she felt she was standing in her grandparents’ garden. She immediately got the idea of growing food to donate to the bank. That’s how God talks to us.

Meditation and contemplation give both you and God a chance to talk and to be together. As with any friend, just set aside time to be with Him. Talk to Him (meditate) honestly. Listen to Him attentively. Learn to be relaxed and comfortable sitting with Him in silence (contemplate), as you would with any friend. Then tell HIm how much His visit meant to you and thank Him.

This Lent, why not shake up your prayer life a bit and give meditation and contemplation a try? Together with traditional prayers, song, art, and nature, it’s another way to share with God.

Try my guided meditation on this blog during Lent (Tuesdays and Thursdays). All you have to do is show up and I’ll lead you through it. It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s so rewarding.

Oh, about the image of Catholic mystic Saint Mary Margaret Alacoque above: See the squares on the floor? Four sides is symbolic of earthly matters. The gold clouds, halo and under color of Jesus’ cloak indicate heaven. The artist is saying contemplation brings heaven and earth together, brings you in close union with Jesus. (See January blog posts for more information on symbolism.)

On Thursday, I’ll tell you something else you can do to make the prayer even more special.

Until then, be blessed.