A Catholic's Life at Member of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, ., FL . US - Pathways of Prayer (Part II) by Friar Jack Wintz, O.F.M.
|
Pathways of Prayer (Part II) by Friar Jack Wintz, O.F.M. |
Pathways of Prayer (Part II) Q U I C K S C A N Last month, we began looking at various pathways or forms of prayer by which we communicate with our loving God, who is always present to us. For example, we looked at “familiar prayers”—everyday prayers, including the Eucharist, that are well known to us. We also looked at “prayers of praise”—forms of prayer that bring us joyfully into God’s presence. In this E-spiration, we will look at additional pathways or styles of prayer. One of the richest forms of prayer occurs when the heart is absolutely quiet. As the psalmist says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). Several years ago, Dominican Sister Sylvia Rosell from the Still Point House of Prayer in Albany, New York, explained it to me this way: “If you still your mind, you can hear your own heart. And at the core of your heart is the indwelling of God. It’s just like when you love someone and you sit there and look at each other. You just stare silently and there is a terrible presence between you. It’s an awesome thing. God is present and you are present—to each other. It’s a matter of just being there.” For example, one might start out with words—with the reading of a passage from scripture, for example—but gradually our words and thoughts simplify. The natural drift of prayer is often from words to silence, according to Father William Johnston, S.J., (who was introduced in Part I of this series). At times, many of us feel led, as if by a hidden inner compass, into this kind of silent union with God. In many cases, prayers that rely on words may be the best form of prayer for us. In fact, Father Johnston cautions against striving too hard to get rid of words and thoughts. Yet, he believes we should be conscious of those times when the Spirit is moving us to silence. “It’s like there are two layers of the psyche,” he explains. “In one layer there are lots of words and thoughts going on, but on a deeper level, you are united quietly to God.” When you feel drawn to silent union, go there and rest in God as long as the Spirit invites. This is really another aspect of the prayer of inner quiet, but the focus is on listening to the God who reveals himself in our inmost being. In this prayer you listen at the very core of your being to the deepest voice of all the voice of God and of the Spirit. Thomas Merton describes this kind of prayer as “finding one’s deepest center, awakening the profound depths of our being in the presence of God, who is the source of our being and our life.” * Prayer of Silent Union With God You may find it helpful to try this simple prayer exercise: Just sit down and, keeping your back straight but free, begin quieting your mind and your body by taking a few relaxing breaths. Center your awareness on the silent and infinite presence of God within your heart. Let the Spirit lead you beyond the noisy world of space and time into the silent realm within you where God dwells as the source of your being. As you continue your breathing, center on that hushed point within you where the human touches the divine, where the branch intersects with the vine, where you and God are one and dwell in each other. Let yourself sink into the silent immensity of God. Simply let your prayer become a silent being there with God. With barely any need for thoughts and words, exchange quiet love with God for however long you feel so inspired. Prayers of intercession or of asking God for personal favors have been downplayed in recent years, because, in some quarters, such prayers may seem self-centered and immature. This could be especially true in the case where one might pray to win a football game or to pass a test for which one did not study. If our prayer is too self-centered or mundane, certainly we may want to broaden our horizons or turn more to prayers of praise and of loving union with God. On the other hand, to see intercessory prayer as immature or below our dignity is to fail to recognize our true status as finite creatures. Even in human love, those who are too proud or pure to receive love from another person and only see themselves as givers do not make the best lovers. As Thomas Merton writes in his book, No Man Is an Island, “The man whose prayer is so pure that he never asks God for anything does not know who God is, and does not know himself, for he does not know his own need for God.” Like Christ himself, we should not hesitate to recognize our dependence on God and pray for our daily needs and, of course, those of our neighbor. Those of us suffering pain, heartbreak or loss can turn even these experiences into prayer, according to Father Johnston. We strive to remain with God and with Jesus, our healer, instead of trying to escape the pain or void, or to seek consolation right away from others. Father Johnston suggests that “you don’t run away. You stay with it. You stay in the void because that can open you up to God and real joy. If you remain with God and with the pain, a new understanding can come.” Jesus is our model for the prayer of suffering. While racked with pain in the garden and on the way to his passion, Jesus lovingly opened himself the more to trust and vital contact with God, who loves us. St. Francis of Assisi saw all creatures as stamped with God’s image and as stepping- stones to the creator. For Francis, every creature—sun, moon, tree or cloud—was a window or a pathway to God. Jesus, of course, the summit of creation, is the perfect mirror of God—the ideal go-between, passageway or sudden door to the Father. Thanks to the Incarnation, the whole world is charged with the grandeur of God, as the Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins suggests in his poem of that name. All creatures and all earthly experiences can be pathways and windows to God. To learn more about St. Francis and his style of praising God through creatures, see our special offer on Friar Jack’s children’s book, St. Francis in San Francisco. You will receive a special autographed copy and a free study guide by the author. See advertisement at top right. Friar Jim’s Inbox Dear Friar Jim: Women play such a crucial role in the Church. Many thanks for your wonderful piece which is a lesson in history and compassion. I am forwarding your article to members of my family. As a father I try to teach my son that real men…hail Mary. George Paul Send your feedback to friarjack@americancatholic.org. A free monthly e-newsletter for catechetical leaders. The focus is parish catechesis beyond textbooks and classrooms. Sample book chapters, audio clips and video clips before purchasing items from St. Anthony Messenger Press. Click here to find the latest from your favorite authors. Check out the entire St. Anthony Messenger Press Copyright ©1996-2008 St. Anthony Messenger Press.
Prayer of Inner Quiet
Prayer of Listening
A Prayer of Silent Union With God
Prayer of Petition
Prayer of Suffering
All Things Are Windows to God
This "Sacred Woods" near Spoleto, Italy, was a favorite prayer site of St. Francis of Assisi.
(Photo by Jack Wintz, O.F.M.)
Readers respond to Friar Jim’s “Catechism Quiz: The Women of the Gospel.”
Dear George: Yes, the Church could not exist without the help of women…. After all, God used Mary for the word to become flesh. Friar Jim
Catholic Greetings Premiere
Saint of the Day
Catholic Sampler
Friar Jack’s book teaches children about Francis’ love and respect for creatures and how he praised God through them. Ages 4-8. Web-only exclusive offer of a special autographed copy, as well as a free teacher’s guide. Click here for details.
Filled with a wide range of prayers from the rich tradition of the Church—including personal, family and liturgical prayers and prayers for special occasions. A treasury of Catholic devotion from ancient times to the present day.
A Servant Book.
Learn more here.
See the August issue.
Beautiful, free Catholic e-greetings for back to school, anniversaries and many other occasions.
Click here for details.
Writing for adults who want God and a serious prayer life, Dubay addresses many issues regarding prayer: Why pray? Why is vocal prayer important but worth limiting? What is (and isn’t) contemplation? How can we pray with Scripture? And much more. A Servant Book.
Learn more here.
The author issues a friendly invitation to act on the desire to pray, to become a person of prayer. He offers approaches that will encourage the beginner and renew those whose prayer life needs revitalization.
Unabridged: 3 CDs.
Click here for details.
Pearce has collected prayers and reflections from Franciscans in several countries to help modern-day believers who seek inspiration from the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. Learn more here.
This prayer book for Catholics in the U.S. military features reflections written by a military chaplain, plus traditional Catholic prayers, including a morning and evening prayer.
Learn more here.
If you want to know more, try our St. Anthony search engines.
family of e-newsletters:
All rights reserved.
