Contemplative Practices
Our Christian heritage is grounded in the belief that God is present for
us, in us, around us, in all people, and in the entire universe.
Here are some suggestions which may help you to be mindful of the divine
presence.
Mini-Sabbaths. Provide yourself with some silent
time daily: a walk, a quiet prayer time, spiritual reading time, star
watching time.
Walking Prayer. This is an active prayer.
Simply find a prayer phrase or psalm verse and begin the habit of saying
this often, repetitively, as you walk about on errands, up and down
stairs, here and there. By developing this habit we gradually
refer all our feelings and thoughts to God. An example is the
"Jesus Prayer."
"Take Two." Before each change of activity, such as
starting the car, getting out of the car, entering your door, and so on,
take a moment or two to make the act of Faith: "O God, I believe
You are with me." Or, "O God be my guide." (Or a similar
prayer.)
Christian Meditation. (For this practice, plan to
take 20 minutes once or twice a day.)
Sit quietly. Close your
eyes. Entrust your life to God's care. Silently, interiorly,
begin to say a single word as a symbol of your consent to God's work of love in your
heart. One suggestion is the prayer-phrase "Maranatha"
(Rev. 22).
Listen to it as you say it, gently, but continuously. Do not think
or imagine anything — spiritual or otherwise.
Return your attention to your prayer word whenever you become aware of any
thoughts or images.
You are not thinking about God or giving God an agenda or seeking
a "product." You are simply letting God act in you with
transformative love.
Desire. Express your desire for God. Never
let a day go by without time for God who looks on you with love all the
time.
Sister Elizabeth Hillmann, rc
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