Meditation: Suggestions for the Reluctant

Christian meditation and contemplation are forms of prayer that date back to the 3rd century. They were practiced by our great Catholic mystics, Fathers of the Church, and saints. It’s said that even John Calvin introduced the concept to his protestant congregation. Meditation easily flows into contemplation and both are parts of Christian meditation.

One example of Christian meditation/contemplation is Lectio Divina (Latin for divine reading). a prayer form made popular again by Pope Benedict XVI. It involves reading a scripture passage several times slowly, meditating (thinking about) it’s meaning, talking to God about what the meaning means to you and your life situation, then contemplating in silence about being with God in this prayer. It’s awesome!

Another example is a prayer form that could be called divina imago. I don’t know if it has an official name, but I know I’m not the only person who prays this way. It’s just like lectio divina but instead of reading a scripture passage, you look at a vintage holy card (the ones that use symbolism and have a message) and follow the same steps.

For example, if I was praying with this holy card, I might pray about how lonely Jesus felt that night since the apostles fell asleep. What Jesus was thinking about the world He was gazing at in the moonlight. About the wonder of the moon and space and our Father in heaven. About what I might do if I were there with Him. Or how I feel about the world right in front of me.

I’ll talk a little more about it next week in advance of our Guided Meditation for Lent. We’ll be following the Scriptural Stations of the Cross and adding divina imago to it. It’s just a new take on a centuries old practice and I promise you, it will be enjoyable and rewarding.

And this Thursday, we’re going to take a short break from all this prayer talk to “test” your holy card symbolism detection skills with one image.

I’ll leave you with 5 suggestions for prayful meditation:

1. SET the tone

Find a quiet, distraction-free setting such as a chapel (in front of a tabernacle is ideal), a secluded spot outdoors, or a room away from the busiest areas in your home. Close the windows if there is noise. Turn off televisions, radios, and gaming devices. Do not try to cook, drive, care for a baby, or perform any other action that requires your full attention. A major component of meditation and contemplation is to lose yourself in the moment; something you cannot do when your safety and the safety of others depends upon your focused awareness of the people and actions around you.

Sit or kneel—whichever posture makes you feel the most relaxed for prayer. Some people even fix a cup of coffee or tea and take a seat at a table just as they would if a friend were visiting.

Soft, instrumental music and lighted candles may help you focus and relax, but are not required.

Talking aloud may help you concentrate but again, is not for everyone.

What is highly recommended is a timer to free you from clock-watching. Set it so you have several minutes after it rings to end your prayer session without rushing.

2. SETTLE yourself

Make the Sign of the Cross. Take several deep breaths and exhalations as you envision God coming and sitting with you. Thank Him for this visit. If you have a particular concern on your mind, tell Him. Ask Him to teach you what you most need to learn, to be alert in your listening, and to understand what He is saying.

If you are using a prayer prompt, read it now (“read” your holy card image).

3. SPEAK honestly

Ponder your reaction to the prompt, especially if it relates to a concern on your mind. Tell God how the message makes you feel. Comforted? Condemned? Encouraged? Defensive? Angry? And tell Him why you feel this way. Your honesty is essential! Nothing you say will shock or change God. But something you say could very well shock or change you.

4. SILENCE Yourself

Quiet yourself again for the contemplative part of your prayer. Do not omit this step or hurry through it. Open your mind to God and entertain the thoughts He puts there.

Closing your eyes may help. Be aware of sights, sounds, textures, and smells. A man I know said he sees himself going into a movie theatre and sitting alone in front of the big screen waiting for whatever God puts there. Another man I know murmurs my Jesus mercy over and over as background “noise” that keeps him engaged. Remember, though, this is God’s time to talk and God’s time to be active. Relax and enjoy His attention.

Beware: If your mind strays to sinful thoughts, do not be alarmed. Many people report such evil interference when they pray and read the Bible. That’s because union with God is the last thing Satan wants. To combat those temptations, ask your Guardian Angel for special protection while you pray and continue on. Be patient with yourself as you learn to be silent in the presence of God.

5. SAVE Something

When the timer rings, choose one message, image, or emotion to hold in your heart until your next prayer session. Often this is a resolution, something you promise to do, but it can also be something you want to remember. (Some people write their meditation thoughts in a prayer journal. If you don’t keep a prayer journal, please start writing at least one word or phrase after your prayer sessions. Over time, the list will really help you see God’s hand in your life.

Then thank God for visiting with you. Make the Sign of the Cross to end your prayer.

Remember, hearing God often happens when you least expect it, so be open to messages you receive after your prayer session ends. Record those too.

I hope you’ll stop by this Thursday for my holy card “Quiz” and again next Tuesday for some information on the on the guided meditation (you’ll love it) that begins here the day after Ash Wednesday. It’s low commitment since I’ll only be posting on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I’d be so pleased if you joined me.

Be blessed!