PIER – CHRISTIAN MEDITATION – HOW TO
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION (the basics)
God the Father gives one instruction in the Gospels, “Listen to Him.” Likewise Mary gives one instruction in the Gospels, “Do whatever He tells you.” If we are to do what God is asking of us (and not just do something or do anything), then we need to learn to listen to God. But how many of us hear God audibly? Therefore we need to learn, practice, and develop ways of “listening” to God, particularly in prayer.
Certain “expressions” of prayer are more suited to listening to God. There are three expressions of prayer spoken of in the Catechism: vocal prayer, (Christian) meditative prayer, and contemplative prayer. Of these, the second two involve an aspect of taking in, or listening. The Church and its saints have always practiced meditation as a means of hearing God’s will. Among these many saints Pope John Paul II chose St. Theresa of Avila as an example of prayer to be imitated by Christians in the new millennium. St. Theresa’s particular method of listening to God in prayer involved reading. She would read a spiritual text (often Scripture) and allow the words to speak into her life through reflection. This is the method we will follow.
INSTRUCTION (DAILY MEDITATION):
Begin with a brief PRAYER asking for God’s guidance and your openness. The three specific steps of this type of Christian meditation then follow.
1) READ. Read a spiritual text. The best spiritual reading is Scripture. The goal of this reading is not to learn, but to listen. When something seems to “hit” you or speak into your life, stop and attend to it. God may be saying something to you. (Remember, every word of Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit.)
2) REFLECT. Reflect on this particular concept, verse, word, etc and why it spoke to you. Perhaps it offers particular guidance in a situation, or convicts you of a sin, or offers you great encouragement, or reveals a glimpse of God. (If this reflection goes beyond your mind and affects your heart, allow this. At times in prayer, God gives you more than direction, He gives you Himself.)
3) RESOLVE. After you have read and reflected (and perhaps been affected) you should make a related resolution. The resolution should be very concrete and achievable before praying the next day. If you respond by your actions according to what you heard from God, you are really putting His will into practice. This daily practice has the power to change us little by little, as well as the world. (If nothing speaks to you in reading, or reflection is difficult, your prayer is not meaningless or without effect. Make a resolution anyway.)
End with a brief PRAYER thanking God, and asking Him for His grace (His help and His presence) in your life throughout the day.
(Note: The first great battle to prayer is setting aside time for it. Schedule it if needed. As well find a place that is alone and quiet where you can better listen to God.)