Contemplative Scripture Prayer
In the quiet corners of your heart, amidst the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit, lies a profound invitation: to enter into the sacred space of contemplative scripture reading. This is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a journey of the soul, a pilgrimage toward deeper intimacy with our Trinitarian God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Imagine yourself nestled in a tranquil sanctuary, a candle flickering softly beside you, the world’s clamor fading into the distance. With an open heart and a receptive spirit, you gently open the pages of Scripture, allowing God’s words to wash over you like a gentle stream.
As you read, savor each phrase, each verse, allowing them to resonate within the depths of your being. Notice the words or images that stir your soul, that ignite a spark of curiosity or longing. Pause and ponder their meaning, their relevance to your life’s journey.
In this sacred space, let the words become a bridge between you and the Lord.. Engage in a silent conversation with God, sharing your thoughts, your questions, your hopes and fears. Listen attentively for His whispers, His gentle nudges, His loving embrace.
As you rest in contemplation, allow the truths of the Scripture to penetrate your heart, to transform your mind, to shape your very being. Be open to the unexpected, the surprising, the transformative power of God’s Word.
Finally, carry the fruits of your contemplation into the world. Let the insights you’ve gained, the love you’ve experienced, guide your actions, your words, your interactions with others. Let your life become a living testament to the transformative power of contemplative scripture reading.
This is an invitation, a gentle beckoning to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery. Will you accept?
Embrace the Stillness, Encounter the Divine:
Contemplative scripture reading fosters intimacy with the Lord in several ways:
- Deepens attentiveness: Unlike casual reading, contemplative practices encourage slow, deliberate engagement with the text, allowing words and phrases to resonate within. This attentiveness opens space for the Holy Spirit to speak personally.
- Shifts focus from information to transformation: The emphasis isn’t on accumulating knowledge, but on allowing the text to shape your heart and mind. This invites God to work in your life through His Word.
- Cultivates listening: It moves you from merely reading words to actively listening for God’s voice. This posture of listening fosters a sense of dialogue and relationship.
- Creates space for silence and reflection: Contemplative reading often includes moments of silence to ponder what has been read. This silence allows deeper truths to emerge and creates room for prayerful response.
- Encourages personal application: It helps you connect the timeless truths of scripture to your everyday life, bringing God’s guidance and presence into your specific circumstances.
In essence, contemplative reading transforms the act of reading the Bible from a purely intellectual exercise to an intimate encounter with God. It creates a sacred space where you can meet Him, hear His voice, and experience His transformative love. What follows are varying practices and methods used to engage in Contemplative Scripture Reading. Explore these and find the method(s) best suited to enable you to encounter God in his Word.
Lectio Divina Method
Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading using the Lectio Divina method: Preparation: Lectio Divina: Example: Let’s say you
Ignatian Contemplative Scripture Reading
Here’s a walkthrough of an Ignatian contemplative scripture reading, using the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) as an
Franciscan Contemplative Scripture Reading
Here’s a walkthrough of a Franciscan contemplative scripture reading, emphasizing themes of creation, humility, and compassion: Preparation: Reading & Contemplation:
Dominican Contemplative Scripture Reading
Here’s a walkthrough of a Dominican contemplative scripture reading, focusing on the pursuit of truth, study, and preaching: Preparation: Reading
Benedictine Contemplative Scripture Reading
Here’s a walkthrough of a Benedictine contemplative scripture reading, emphasizing themes of stability, obedience, and listening to God’s Word: Preparation:
Carmelite Contemplative Scripture Reading
Here’s a walkthrough of a Carmelite contemplative scripture reading, focusing on interior silence, attentiveness to God’s presence, and cultivating a
Celtic “Thin Places” Meditation
Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading utilizing the Celtic “Thin Places” Meditation: Preparation: Reading & Contemplation in the
Praying with Scriptures (Adaptation Method)
Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading using the “Praying the Scriptures” (Adaptation) method, with a focus on personalizing
Imaginative Prayer (Visualization Method)
Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading using the “Imaginative Prayer” (Visualization) method, focusing on the story of Jesus
“Journaling Meditation”
Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading using the “Journaling Meditation” method: Preparation: Reading & Meditation: Example: Let’s say
Visio Divina (Sacred Seeing)
Visio Divina applies contemplative principles to visual art, including religious paintings, icons, or even photographs that inspire spiritual reflection. Steps:
Centering Prayer Method
Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading using the Centering Prayer Method: Preparation: Centering Prayer with Scripture: Closing: Example:
Praying the Psalms Method
Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading using the “Praying the Psalms” method, focusing on Psalm 23: Preparation: Reading