Arrow Prayer: These are
spur-of-the-moment prayers that may happen throughout your day in response to
things you see. For example, if you are driving to work and see an accident, you
might say a prayer of healing and protection for everyone involved-crash
victims, rescue workers, families involved, and so on.
|
Centering Prayer: This
prayer is very much like classic meditation practices and is purported to have
been a favorite technique of Mother Theresa. The idea is to find a comfortable
seated position, close your eyes, and relax as many muscles in your body as
possible. In a centering prayer, you will want to clear your mind as much as
possible and focus on your breathing and heartbeat. It's not as easy as it
sounds, but it is an excellent way to listen for God!
|
Gratitude Prayer: Our
world encourages us to focus on the bad things that happen in our lives-so much
so, that we often fail to see the blessings that God brings to us daily! The
gratitude prayer helps to focus on those blessings by giving thanks! Having a
hard time getting a list of things you're grateful for? Try this: Keep a small
pad of paper with you throughout the day. As you encounter a blessing, write it
down-and thank God for it later!
|
Intercessory Prayer: This is the kind of prayer
we all grew up with. In an intercessory prayer, we ask God to fulfill specific
needs. Sound simple? Then try taking it to the next level! Again, keep a small
pad of paper with you throughout the day, and keep track of the people you meet
who could use God's help. You don't have to tell them that you're praying for
them. Just bring your concerns to God!
|
Lectio Divina: A fifth century monastic
form of prayer, Lectio Divina follows a very specific set of steps:
Bookend 1:
Select a time an place where you will be comfortable and uninterrupted. Begin
with silence and prepare yourself to hear the Word of God. Express this desire
to God in prayer-that you would have the Word influence your life.
|
Step 1: Read
the Scripture you have selected. (If you haven't selected anything, try Psalm
130). Do not read any notes or commentary on the Scripture, but simply be aware
of what things God is highlighting to you as you read. When you are done,
re-read the Scripture-this time slowly.
|
Step 2: Reflect for a few moments in the
word, phrase or verse the Lord highlighted to you. Ask yourself: How is God
asking me to receive and implement this word? What memories, images, feelings,
thoughts, hymns, or other Scripture does this passage bring to mind? What does
the passage say about my heart? My character? My family? My ministry?
|
Step 3:
Respond to the word or phrase. This is the time for the Scripture to touch your
heart. Ask yourself: What am I feeling? Joy? Anticipation? Lament? Confession?
How is the passage challenging me to pray? Respond in prayer according what you
have heard God say.
|
Step 4: Simply receive the presence of God. This is a time
to be still and rest. We can be encouraged, nourished, convicted, and comforted.
This phase is a great time for contemplative prayer.
|
Bookend 2: Incorporate into
your life what you believe God has been saying to you. Throughout the day, ask
the Holy Spirit to help you life the insights of the Scripture God gave you.
|
|
Lectio Divina in a Group: While Lectio Divina is usually a very personal way to read Scripture, it can also be done in groups. To do lectio divina in a group, prepare by centering yourself in God's presence. Breathe gently. Offer a prayer for the group's openness to the Holy Spirit.
Bookend One: Open
with a word of prayer asking God to still your noises and prepare
you to hear His voice
|
Step 1: Reading: The first reader reads the passage twice, the second time more slowly. Be alert to a phrase or word that invites your attention. Share your phrase or word with the group.
|
Step 2: Reflecting: A second reader reads the passage again. Pay attention to the image or feeling that arises from your phrase or word. Speak your image or feeling to the group.
|
Step 3: Responding: A third reader reads the passage for the fourth time. Be aware of how you experience God around your image or feeling as it relates to your phrase or word. Listen and respond to your image, feeling, phrase or word for an extended amount of time. How is God present in and through this? You may sense God's reminder of being with you through a call, challenge or other impression. You may find it helpful to journal your feelings and thoughts. Share your experience of God with thie group.
|
Step 4: Resting/receiving: Commune alone with God during an extended silence. The leader concludes this time by speaking "Amen."
|
Bookend 2: This bookend can be done several ways. Group members can hold each other accountable for implementing what God has pointed out; the group can spend time in prayer asking God to help them; the group can spend time in silence while members write down on an index card how they will follow through, and so on.
|
|
|
