I have been a pray-er all of my life. I enjoy talking to God in many different forms. I have found that my preferred forms of prayer have changed throughout my life. There are many constants, but I always have a fall back position, so to speak.
In recent years I have really loved Lectio Divina which basically is reading a piece of scripture, perhaps several times and reflecting on it. For me, that reflection is usually with writing. I have learned wonderful things and heard God's voice in Lectio Divina. It is a conversational style of prayer.
But lately, I have been less drawn to that conversation with God, if you will. Lately, I have been drawn to a prayer form that used to be really hard for me. I have been drawn to comtemplation. Specifically, as I was meditating upon the Sacred Heart of Jesus one day, I was drawn more and more into the Heart of Jesus. I imagined myself inside the Sacred Heart of Jesus, washed by His precious blood. I began to let myself go to that iamge, that place in prayer more and more. I can feel the pain and the joy as I am surrounded by the love of Christ. My meditation is less words and more an experience, more of a feeling. I can't even describe the peace and consolation that I feel while surrounded by the love of Christ.
Because this meditation/ comtemplation is so new to me, I discussed it with my Spiritual Director this week. She encouraged me to continue with it. Perhaps if I have a point in all of this, it is to try to experience God in new ways, at least sometimes. It is an adventure in prayer. It was just what I needed.
I was told to try that meditation/contemplation before too, but I struggled with it. I am happy you are experiencing peace and consolation with this. Reminds me very much of St. Margaret Mary's and St. Faustina's writings.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't even really trying to do comptemplation/ meditation, it was just what I needed and still seem to need. But, it is high praise to be compared to those great women. I am just a little sister outside the door to them. But, still aiming for heaven.
ReplyDeleteContemplation can't be forced. Only God can permit it, so don't be discouraged about it if you try and it doesn't happen. God works with each of us in different ways and at different times, but it is He that is working while we cooperate with our dispositions. St. Teresa of Avila once wrote that a nun who could only engage in vocal prayers like the rosary could be much more advanced spiritually than one who experienced contemplation. I think we desire contemplation because it's such a great experience when it happens and such a pleasure to be schooled by God. So Mary, I rejoice in your experience and Colleen, just keep doing what you're doing. If our goal is holiness and we submit to the Holy Spirit, we will be what God wants us to be.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I've never tried that because I've found my mind wandering or I tend to feel sleepy. What a calming and joyous presence you must of felt. It makes me want to try harder! Yet as Barbara mentioned, I cannot force it and it may not be what God has planned for me at this time.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about all the different ways people experience God's love in prayer, Mary. Thanks for sharing this with us. I have a strong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and your words here are beautiful to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this mystical experience with us...it's wonderful. I am curious, Mary...are you a lay order Carmelite, by chance?
ReplyDeleteYou have such a Carmelite charism in your spirit.