“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God”. (Romans 8:26-27)
A while ago the MCF posted spiritual practices on this website with the aim of assisting people grow their understanding of God. One practice was called Contemplative prayer which is a means to connect with God, without giving Him information about what we would like to see happen. In contemplative prayer we sit and wait and depend on God to initiate communion and communication. It requires patience. To understand and enjoy its benefits we do need to try this type of prayer often.
CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
The practice
- Set aside a time of quietness with God.
- One way to quiet our minds it to quiet our bodies.
- Spend 5 minutes intentionally relaxing your body and breathing deeply.
- Afterwards, spend 5 minutes noticing where your mind wanted to go.
- Offer what you noticed to God, then let go and open yourself to God’s love.
- Be receptive to a prayer God may be giving you to say. (Remember that contemplative prayer is more receptive than active).
- If it is difficult for you to sit still in God’s presence, then go for a walk.
- Say to God “Here I am. I am with you.”
- Be with God and welcome Him.
- Try to not to control or influence the situation and just give God your attention.
- End your prayer time breathing in God’s love by being aware that your every breath is God’s gift.