Each Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., we are exploring new prayer practices. We hope you will join us this coming Wednesday we practice Meditative Prayer.
Read chapter 18 in Foster’s book if you can, though we will spend more time with the attached handout, and we will try out this practice during our time together.
This probably isn’t what first comes to mind when you think of “Meditation,” or “Prayer,” (we’ll get to that next week!) but this can be a powerful way to hear God speak to us through Scripture.
See you Wednesday!
-Pastor Bob
Chapter 13: Meditative Prayer
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
(Psalm 1:1-3)
Christian meditation (as opposed to Eastern meditation) is typically bound to Scripture or devotional writing.
It differs from the study of Scripture, which focuses on exegesis (what does the passage mean); meditation focuses on letting the passage speak to you by internalizing and personalizing the passage.
“Just as you do not analyze the words of someone you love, but accept them as they are said to you, accept the Word of Scripture and ponder it in your heart, as Mary did. That is all. That is meditation.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Imagination: Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, developed a form of prayer that uses imagination to engage with scripture, particularly Gospel scenes. It encourages individuals to enter into the scene, using their senses to see, hear, and feel the events, and to dialogue with the characters, especially Jesus. This imaginative engagement is believed to foster a deeper, more personal encounter with God.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
- Imaginative Prayer: Ignatian contemplation is often referred to as imaginative prayer because it relies heavily on visualization and engaging the senses to bring scripture to life.
- Engaging with Scripture: It involves selecting a passage from the Gospels and actively immersing oneself in the scene, rather than simply reading and reflecting on the text.
- Using the Senses: Participants are encouraged to use all five senses to imagine the scene. For example, they might visualize the setting, the people involved, and even the smells and sounds associated with the event.
- Dialogue with Characters: A key aspect is interacting with the characters in the scene, particularly Jesus, as if in a conversation. This can involve asking questions, sharing thoughts and feelings, and listening for God’s response.
- Focus on Encounter, Not Analysis: Unlike intellectual study of the text, Ignatian meditation focuses on experiencing the scene and fostering a personal encounter with God through imaginative engagement.
Pick one of the following passages, and give this form of meditative prayer a try!
- The Birth of Jesus: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-20,
- Jesus calls disciples. Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 9:9-13
- Any part of the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew chapters 5-7
- A parable of Jesus. Matthew 25:31-46, Mark 4:1-9, Luke 10:25-37
- A storm at sea: Matthew 8:23-27, Matthew 14:22-33
- Mary anoints Jesus. John 12:1-8
- The Crucifixion. John 19:16-30
- The Resurrection. John 20:1-18
Remember, in Meditative Prayer God is always addressing our will. Having heard his voice, we are to obey his word.
