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Prayer

Prayer is simply opening oneself to the presence of God and letting the real happen.
Over the course of centuries, Christians have found various “methods” of prayer helpful. It’s good to try different ones, make adaptations, and come up with one’s own way of praying. Here is a shorthand version of some of the time-proven methods:

• Vocal prayer: Using set words (the Our Father, the Hail Mary, etc.) to set one thinking about whatever thoughts come.
• Scriptural Prayer (Lectio Divina): Reading a passage of Scripture slowly, and opening oneself to whatever God says through these words.
• Meditation: Mulling over any of the truths of the faith – not alone, but with the Lord.
• Contemplation: Simply being in the presence of God and knowing it.
• Liturgical Prayer: Participating with others in the rituals of the church, and experiencing the bonds that connect the whole Body of Christ –here on earth and in heaven too.

Lenten Reflection Book 2009