Four Steps on the Path to Divine Intimacy
Whoever
loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and
my Father will love him and we will come to him. –Jn 14:23
There is much
talk these days about meditation, mindfulness, and such things. These sound
like wonderful pathways to lead you to closeness with the Lord, and are
sometimes practiced even in Catholic settings. But we should always be careful
to practice only Christian meditation as it has been handed down through the
centuries in the Catholic tradition. Eastern meditation is quite different,
because its primary focus is on “Nirvana,” which is nothingness. Mantras are
repeated and the mind emptied. Christian meditation, on the other hand, is
focused on communion with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the prayer of
Christian contemplation known as Lectio Divina, the focus is on the Word and
the Person of God. The goal is not to empty the mind, but to fill both mind and
heart with God’s holy presence.
Catholics are
blessed with the gifts of scripture, tradition, and Jesus Christ, truly present
in the Eucharist, and our prayers and meditations should always lead us to
closer intimacy with our Lord. It is worth taking time, each day if you can, to
enter into the presence of God in prayer. If you find time this week, find a
peaceful corner at home or church, in a park or your own backyard, and meditate
on the beautiful words we’re given in scripture, using the ancient prayer of Lectio Divina. This Latin phrase means
“Divine Reading” and it consists of reading scripture (lectio), praying (oratio),
meditating (meditatio), and
contemplating God (contemplatio).
This prayer of the heart helps lead you into God’s presence.
Begin with the Creed, or your favorite prayer to
the Holy Spirit.
Breathe
in me O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy, act in me, O Holy
Spirit, that my work too may be holy, draw my heart O Holy Spirit, that I love
but what is holy, strengthen me O Holy Spirit to defend all that is holy, guard
me then O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen
“Come,”
says my heart, “seek his face”; your face, LORD, do I seek! Psalm 27:8
Lectio
Get comfortable in a quiet, peaceful place. Choose
a biblical passage and, if possible, read it aloud slowly. Allow the Holy Spirit to quiet your mind and bring you to a place
of peace. Read it again, or continue to read further until you come to a word
or line that stands out as meaningful to you.
When
you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart,
I
will let you find me.. Jer 29:14
Meditatio
Meditate on what this verse means for you
personally. Close your eyes, breathe
deeply, and allow God’s word enter your heart. Let your imagination take you
into the scripture, as if the Lord was speaking directly to you. Listen for the
voice of the Lord to reply spiritually to the prayers you have lifted up to Him
with all your heart. Jesus is with you, He hears you, and loves you more than
you can imagine.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. Mk 11:24
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. Mk 11:24
Oratio
Reflect on the passage you’ve read, especially on the line, word, or idea that speaks to you most deeply. Using those words and ideas, pray with that scripture. What is it about that verse that relates to your own life? Pour out your thoughts, prayers, needs, and desires, whatever is brought to mind by that verse. Do you wish to draw closer to God, to follow Him more faithfully? Do you worry for straying children or parents nearing the end of life? Don’t hesitate to bring all your concerns to God in prayer.
My
soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope. Ps 62:6
Contemplatio
Finally, just remain quiet and listen. God speaks in the silence of our hearts.
What does He want to tell you? Be at peace in His presence, and listen for His
voice. His Holy Spirit dwells within you; Jesus and the Father love you and
promise to remain with you. Gaze into His eyes, contemplate His glory, and
remain in His presence for a little while.
Jesus
said to his disciples: "… whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and
I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Jn 14:15,21
At the end of your meditation, pray the Lord ’s
Prayer slowly, paying attention to each word.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be
thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as
we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
May the time you spend in prayer bring refreshment
to your soul and strength to face life’s many trials. And may God bless you with His peace.
Psalm
63
O
God, you are my God— forever will I seek you!
For
you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts,
In
a land parched, lifeless, and without water.
I
gaze upon you in the sanctuary, to see your power and glory.
For
your love is better than life; my lips shall ever praise you!
I
will bless you as long as I live; In your name I will lift up my hands.
My
soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my lips shall praise you with joy!
I
think of you upon my bed, I remember you through the watches of the night
You
indeed are my savior, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My
soul clings fast to you; your right hand holds me fast.
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