Praying the Gospels of Lent

These readings can be used in daily prayer through the weeks of Lent or at any other appropriate time in the course of an individual's spiritual life. Through the course of these readings one will become immersed in the story and the experience of the Passion and Death of Christ.

Some Tips for Daily Prayer:

*Select a time and a place that is well suited to quiet prayer. Establish a schedule for prayer and stick to it as much as possible.

*As you begin, realize that God is really present and desires to draw closer to you.

*Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide in this time of prayer and seek her inspiration.

*You may want to begin your time of prayer with these (or similar) words;

Preparatory Prayer

Lord, may all my intentions, actions and operations be directed purely to the service and praise of your Divine Majesty.

The Grace I seek... (What special grace do you seek this Lent? Take time before your reflection and meditation to bring your particular spiritual needs before God.)

John 11:1-44 - Raising of Lazarus

Matthew 26:6-16 - Supper at Bethany

Matthew 21:1-11 - Palm Sunday

Matthew 26:17-30 - Last Supper

John 13:1-17 - Washing of the Feet

Matthew 26:31-46 - Agony in the Garden

Matthew 26:47-56 - Arrest

John 18:12-27 + Matthew 26:57-75 - Jesus before the Council at night.

Luke 22:66-71 - Jesus before the Council in the Morning

Luke 23:1-25 + John 18:28 - 19:16 - Jesus before Pilate and Herod

Luke 23:26 - 32 -The Way of the Cross

Luke 23:33-49 -The Crucifixion

Two Ways Of Praying with Scripture:

Ignatian Contemplation (Imaginative Prayer):

This method of prayer lends itself well to passages in both the Old and New Testaments that portray persons, places and actions, especially events in the life of Christ. It takes into account the fact that everything we have is a gift from our God and can become a tool for growing closer to our Lord, including our imaginations.

*Begin by reading the passage over slowly to yourself. Begin to use your imagination to create the scene in your mind.

*Try to see, contemplating each person in the scene. Where are they standing? What do they look like? What are they wearing? What expressions are on their faces? Give a prolonged look, above all, to the person of Jesus himself (if he is featured in the passage in question). Do not try to explain or understand, just take some time to look around.

*Try to listen, paying attention to spoken or even implied words. What might they mean? Who might they be speaking to? Does their meaning change when these words are directed at your?

*Observe what the people in the scene do. What are their names (even if the passage does not give them one)? What might their history be, their sufferings, personal quests, challenges and joys? How do they react? Note their gestures, feelings and attitudes especially of Jesus if he is present.

*Place yourself actively in the scene. Allow yourself to be involved in what is happening. Besides seeing and listening, try to touch and feel the flavor of what you are experiencing in prayer. Think 'affectively' about your time in this place; How do you feel? What joys or challenges do you feel you should pay attention to as a result of spending time in this place?

End your time of prayer with an intimate thank-you and farewell to God. You might use the words of the Lord's Prayer or words of your own choosing. Take time to jot down any thoughts or feelings this experience had left you with in a journal (if you have one).

Lectio Divina;

Lectio (reading):

Begin by reading the passage slowly. Take time to let the words sink into your spirit, your soul. Allow your self time to slowly awaken to prayer. Gradually allow a word or phrase to choose you. Let it touch you, resonate with you. Savor it, repeat it, breath the word or words in and out and let them saturate you.

As you do this, you will begin to wonder why they have touched you in this way, why they have attracted your attention. This is a natural progression to the next step...

Meditatio (meditating)

Now you begin to ask questions about these words; What is God saying to me? Why these words? Why today, in this moment? What connection do they have to what is going on in my life right now?

What are you trying to say to me God?

Like squeezing the juice from a grape to make wine, you are searching for the particular meaning these words have for you, their connection to your life, your own situation. Why do you need to hear this right now?

At some point you may realize just what it is you need from these words, a personal epiphany or 'a ha!' Allow this new insight or understanding to sink in and to move you. Spend an appropriate amount of time simply allowing this insight to sink in with all of it's joys, challenges and implications.

Realize that God has spoken to your heart. The natural flow of things is to respond...

Oratio (praying)

Touched deeply by the Word God has spoken, allow yourself to speak spontaneously to God. Speak, sing, celebrate, laugh or cry...are you moved to praise God, or give thanks? Are you moved to tears, of sorrow? Of Joy? Are you energized to act, to do something? Speak to God about how you feel...lift your heart and mind to God.

Contemplatio (contemplation)

Contemplation is a simple, loving gaze one upon another. Spend quite time now alone with God. You have heard God's word, you have experienced God's desire for you, you have spoken together...now simply sit in the silent presence of God. Just 'be' together. This is the goal of Lectio Divina, this silent unity with God.

The first three steps move us from greater action, to lesser action, and finally to inaction...simple being.

End your time of prayer with an intimate thank-you and farewell to God. You might use the words of the Lord's Prayer or words of your own choosing. Take time to jot down any thoughts or feelings this experience had left you with in a journal (if you have one).